How pseudo is an inflammatory pseudotumor?

Abstract

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a rare lesion of unclear etiology reported in various organs. Although mostly benign, these tumors may pose a therapeutic challenge in cases of recurrence. We report the case of a young male who presented with a clinical and radiological picture suggestive of a malignancy in the thorax and upon evaluation was noted to have IPT of the lung. Complete surgical resection was done with no evidence of tumor recurrence. We review the literature and discern the epidemiological, clinical, pathophysiological and management aspects of IPTs.

Keywords: Inflammatory pseudotumor; lung; malignancy; recurrence.

Figure 1

Chest radiograph showing a large lobulated soft tissue mass lesion overlying the left cardiac border, situated in anterior and middle mediastinum

Figure 2

Contrast-enhanced CT thorax showing a hypodense mass lesion measuring 8.4 × 6.1 cm adjacent to left hilum without any evidence of calcification or contrast enhancement

Figure 3

High-power view showing myofibroblasts with plump oval nuclei (thick white arrows), plasma cells (thin white arrows) and inflammatory cells, mainly lymphocytes (black arrows) in a collagenous background with myxoid areas and proliferating vessels