Anterior Mediastinal Mass

Case Synopsis

An 8-year-old, previously healthy girl is admitted with respiratory distress, wheezing, and stridor. Her symptoms have been slowly progressive over 2 weeks and are associated with nocturnal fever and exercise intolerance. The chest radiograph demonstrates a widened mediastinum and a retrosternal mass ( Fig. 34.1 ). A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest confirms the presence of an anterior mediastinal mass ( Fig. 34.2 ). A biopsy of the mass is scheduled.