Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma Masquerading as Left Lobar Pneumonia and Pericardial Effusion: A Case Report

Introduction: Teratomas are very rare types of germ cell tumours containing tissues originating from two or more of the germ cell layers.

Case Presentation: We present a case of an eight-year-old female child who had features initially suggestive of left lobar pneumonia and pericardial effusion. However, after poor response to chemotherapy, computerized axial tomography (CT) of the chest was done which suggested mediastinal teratomas.

Conclusion: Teratomas located in the anterior mediastinum is a rare form of germ cell tumour located in the anterior mediastinal mediastinum. Persistent non-specific respiratory symptoms should not be overlooked in children, as they may be indicative of anterior mediastinal teratoma. Surgical resection is curative for most teratomas.