Multifocal thymic cysts with cholesterol granuloma

Abstract

A 56-year-old female presented to our department with chest discomfort. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a cyst and nodule in the anterior mediastinum; positron emission tomography-CT showed an increased uptake in the nodule. Total thymectomy was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis and treatment. A pathological diagnosis of multifocal thymic cysts with cholesterol granuloma was made. Microscopic examination revealed different-sized cysts scattered in the thymus. These cysts were filled with cholesterol clefts and manifested three different phase characters. The nodule comprised granuloma-containing cholesterol clefts. We report a rare case of a patient whose histopathology presented a series of cholesterol granuloma formations.