Posterior Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Hemangiomas, which are benign vascular tumors occurring throughout the body and most commonly in the liver, are extremely rare in the posterior mediastinum. There are fewer than 25 cases reported in the English literature. Most patients are asymptomatic, whereas some may present with symptoms related to compression of the surrounding tissues. Generally, definitive diagnosis requires histopathological examination following surgery. We present a case of a 50-year-old woman with a gradual onset dyspnea for 12 years and right-sided pleural effusion. Drainage of the effusion revealed a posterior mediastinal mass in the chest computed tomography. The mass was completely removed with thoracotomy, though it required careful hemostasis. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of hemangioma. Thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be preferred depending on the surgeon's experience and the risk of massive bleeding. Ideally, the surgical procedure should aim the total excision of the lesion; however, outcomes of subtotal excision are also satisfactory.