A 24 year-old female with ruptured primary pulmonary teratoma

Intrathoracic teratoma is mainly found in the mediastinum. Primary intrapulmonary teratoma is very rare. A 24 year-old female presented with a 2-month history of intermittent episodes of cough and haemoptysis. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination of chest revealed a mass in the left lingular lobe with evidence of fat and surrounding peripheral translucency. A presumptive diagnosis of intraparenchymal teratoma was considered. Internal inhomogeneity with irregular margins and bursting fat configuration suggested intrapulmonary rupture. Thoracotomy was performed, which revealed an encapsulated mass in the left lingula with bronchial communication. Lingual segmentectomy was performed, with complete resection of the tumour. Gross and histopathological features of the resected specimen were suggestive of a benign intrapulmonary teratoma.