Mesenchymal cystic hamartoma of the lung: MRI and PET/CT appearance

J Thorac Imaging. 2009 Feb;24(1):52-5. doi: 10.1097/RTI.0b013e31818c8834.

Abstract

We report the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) findings of a patient who presented with lower thoracic pain, nausea, and vomiting and had a CT scan of the chest in which a well-defined homogeneous mass was identified. Further evaluation with MRI and PET/CT showed a nonenhancing homogeneous paraspinal mass in the left lung base involving the left hemidiaphragm. The mass showed lack of enhancement on MRI and was photopenic on PET/CT. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and resection of the mass was performed and showed a mesenchymal cystic hamartoma invading the left hemidiaphragm. Such a growing hamartoma with pleural and diaphragmatic invasion is very atypical and to our knowledge, has not been previously reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hamartoma / diagnosis*
  • Hamartoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hamartoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Mesoderm / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*