CTICasesBenign Thymic Cyst
Imaging findings
A contrast-enhanced chest CT demonstrates a well-defined, homogeneous, low-attenuation (fluid density) mass in the anterior mediastinum that drapes softly over the anterior mediastinal structures. A persistent left superior vena cava (SVC) is also present as an incidental congenital variant.
Key takeaways
Benign thymic cysts are classic non-aggressive anterior mediastinal lesions that often exhibit soft, draping, and non-invasive characteristics. On CT, their low attenuation can mimic a solid tumor, and fluid aspiration during surgery can sometimes lead to an initially missed diagnosis on gross pathology. When these characteristics are recognized, these benign lesions can be monitored with MRI or serial CT, avoiding unnecessary surgical resections.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Thalassemia with Extramedullary HematopoiesisMetabolic
- Traumatic Aortic TransectionTrauma
- Pulmonary CoccidioidomycosisInfection
- Surfactant Protein C Mutation-Associated Pulmonary FibrosisILD
- Iatrogenic Aortic Injury from Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)Iatrogenic
- Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)Vascular
- Post-Lobectomy Pulmonary Vein Stump ThrombusVascular
- Pulmonary ActinomycosisInfection
See all cases from August 13, 2021 →
Related Artifact cases
- Pectus Excavatum with Cosmetic Chest Implant Mimicking Pneumonia
- Extracorporeal Right Ventricular Assist Device Cannula showing Dilutional Asymmetric Contrast Opacification
- Intravascular Fat in the Pulmonary Artery (Intravascular Lipoma)
- Overlying Hair and Deodorant/Talc Artifacts Mimicking Interstitial Lung Disease and Calcification
- Hyperthermia Treated with Ice Packs
- Hyperthermia-Induced Cardiac Arrest with Ice Pack Artifacts