Thymolipoma: analysis of 27 cases.

PURPOSE

To characterize the radiologic features of thymolipoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven cases of thymolipoma were reviewed. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings were noted.

RESULTS

The masses occurred in 15 male and 12 female patients (mean age, 26.7 years). All 27 tumors were in the anterior mediastinum; 22 were in the anterior inferior mediastinum. On frontal radiographs, 12 tumors simulated cardiomegaly. On lateral radiographs, 12 tumors draped over the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm, simulating diaphragmatic elevation. Computed tomographic scans (n = 11) demonstrated a mixture of fat and soft-tissue attenuation in 10 tumors corresponding to adipose and thymic elements found at microscopy. Magnetic resonance images (n = 2) demonstrated fat and soft-tissue signal intensity characteristics. Both types of studies showed a connection between tumor and thymus.

CONCLUSION

Thymolipomas are anterior mediastinal masses that may conform to the shape of adjacent structures. The diagnosis is supported by imaging studies that demonstrate fat and soft tissue within the tumor.