BENIGN MEDIASTINAL LIPOBLASTOMA IN A 14-MONTH-OLD INFANT

Lipoblastomas are rare benign tumors arised from the fetal-embryonal fat that occur almost exclusively in children. About 70% of them arise in the limbs but several other sites have been reported. To date there are only 4 cases of mediastinal lipoblastoma in children, described in the international literature. The radiologic examination, including the chest X-ray, sonography and CT scan, can be used to detect the mass and its relationship to surrounding structures, and to define the typical features of the fat-like tissue. A case of a mediastinal lipoblastoma in a 14-months-old infant is reported, with a respiratory stridor and occasional dyspnoea, appearing only in the supine position. The radiologic findings, treatment and follow-up are also described.