[Intrathoracic-mediastinal myofibroblastic tumor. Report and experience of one case].

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory pseudotumor is a little known and uncommon condition. The debate continues whether it represents an inflammatory lesion or is a true neoplasm. It is considered a reactive process usually characterized by irregular growth of inflammatory cells. It has been described at various sites, the most common being the lung. The aim of this report is to emphasize the difficulty in the initial diagnosis.

CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 56-year-old male who reports an 8-month history of dry cough, dyspnea, fatigue, weakness and weight loss of 20 kg. We performed two biopsies, one positive for malignancy without response to medical treatment and the second reporting chronic granulomatous inflammation. The patient underwent sternotomy, revealing a tumor of 20 × 17 × 10 cm, weighing approximately 2 kg. The tumor was dependent on the anterior mediastinum surrounding large vessels, and venous brachiocephalic, pericardium and both pleuras with firm adhesions to the right lung. Pathological report was as follows: inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with positive immunohistochemistry for CD20 and CD3. Postoperative course was satisfactory and 1 year after surgery there was no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION: Inflammatory pseudotumor is a benign neoplasm of unknown origin with a chronic course. It can simulate a malignant tumor, causing constitutional manifestations, airway obstruction, cardiac alterations or other symptoms according to their location. Diagnosis is based on radiological features and direct biopsy. Treatment of choice is complete resection of the tumor with a favorable long-term outcome.