Work

Upper airway obstruction and dyspnea in an infant caused by mediastinal and endotracheal lipoblastoma: a case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Lipoblastoma is a benign tumor of embryonal fat tissue that typically affects children under the age of 3 years. The impact of lipoblastoma on the body largely depends on the tumor's location and its involvement with adjacent organs. Mediastinal lipoblastoma, a relatively rare form, often presents with dyspnea and difficulty breathing, however, airway involvement has not been previously reported. Case presentation: We describe a 4-month-old female infant diagnosed with lipoblastoma in the mediastinum and endotracheal region, leading to progressive upper airway obstruction and dyspnea. Diagnosis was confirmed through imaging and histopathological analysis. The patient underwent a series of treatments, including bronchoscopic-guided endotracheal intubation with ventilator-assisted ventilation, ECMO-supported mass resection, and airway reconstruction. The patient ultimately achieved complete recovery, with no tumor recurrence observed at a 2-month follow-up. Conclusion: Mediastinal lipoblastoma can be a significant cause of upper respiratory obstruction and respiratory distress in children. The potential for tracheal infiltration, as seen in this case, has not been previously reported and can pose a life-threatening risk. Recognizing and understanding this rare presentation is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management of this condition.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1535594

Authors: Yulin Chen, Li Qiu, Wei Kou, Zhongqiang Liu

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Tracheal and airway disorders

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801