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Infected thymic cyst: An unusual cause of respiratory distress in a child
Author(s) -
Youngson George G.,
Ein Sigmund H.,
Geddie William R.,
Cutz Ernest
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.1950030414
Subject(s) - medicine , respiratory distress , mediastinum , airway obstruction , cyst , respiratory tract , lesion , bronchogenic cyst , airway , abscess , respiratory system , mediastinal shift , surgery , pathology , radiology , lung
A 15‐month‐old male developed acute respiratory distress following a prolonged upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory and radiological investigations suggested tracheal compression by a malignant anterior mediastinal mass. Following a short course of steroid therapy, urgent exploration of the mediastinum and resection of the mass was carried out; resolution of the airway obstruction was obtained. Histotogical and bacteriological examination of the lesion revealed it to be a thymic cyst infected by Haemophilus Influenzae with abscess formation. The causes of tracheal compression in childhood are discussed.