Ruptured thymoma causing a hemothorax: A case report

A thymoma is a neoplasm that arises from the epithelial cells of the thymus, and may cause various signs and symptoms dependent upon its local extent. A non-traumatic hemothorax is extremely rare. The present study reports the case of a 77-year-old female who presented with an acute onset of chest pain. Imaging procedures revealed a mass occupying the anterior mediastinum and left hemithorax, and a left pleural effusion. Progressive anemia was noted following admission. Left hemothorax due to rupture of the anterior mediastinal mass was suspected, and emergency surgery was performed. Hemorrhage was observed on the cut surface of the tumor. An analysis of frozen sections indicated a thymoma, and a thymo-partial thymectomy was subsequently performed to remove as much of the hematoma as possible. The patient was discharged on post-operative day 13 following an uneventful recovery. The present case suggests that in previously healthy individuals, sudden-onset dyspnea and chest pain co-occurring with an acute widening of the mediastinum observed on roentgenograph may be indicative of a ruptured thymoma.