a huge lymphangioma mimicking pleural effusion with extension to both chest cavities: a case report and review of literature

mediastinal lymphangioma is primarily a benign lesion and the majority of the cases are found incidentally. these lesions account for approximately 1% of all mediastinal tumors. here we present a giant mediastinal cystic mass in a 35-year-old female who was presented with severe respiratory distress. on the plain chest radiography and ct scan, a massive left pleural effusion with large parasternal and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen. thoracentesis was performed and 400 cm³ of clear fluid was drained from the left hemithorax. however, a subsequent ct scan with contrast and the same technique 40 days later showed a large cystic mass in the mediastinum protruding to the right and left hemi thoraces. the giant cystic mass was resected via right and left anterior thoracotomies. histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of lymphangioma. the patient has been alive and without tumor recurrence and has been followed for 2 years.