INTRATHORACIC EXTRA-MEDIASTINAL CYSTIC HYGROMA IN INFANCY

An infant with intrathoracic extra-mediastinal cystic hygroma is descr ibed. Fluid collection within the fetal chest was noted on routine ant enatal ultrasound scan and this was subsequently drained. Postnatally, echocardiogram and thoracic CT scan demonstrated a cystic space betwe en the pericardium and right mediastinal pleura. Thoracotomy performed at six weeks of age showed a multiloculated cystic mass adherent to t he right pericardium and to the medial aspect of the diaphragm. Histol ogy revealed the tumour to be a cystic hygroma (lymphangioma). Intrath oracic cystic hygroma occurring outside the mediastinum is extremely r are and has never been diagnosed previously in infancy.