ROENTGENOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THYMOLIPOMA

1. The thymolipoma usually begins in young individuals and, being virtually asymptomatic, may attain huge proportions before discovery.

2. The smaller lesions cannot be distinguished roentgenographically from other benign anterior mediastinal masses.

3. The large tumors tend to slump toward the diaphragms, leaving the anterior superior mediastinal space lucent, an unusual finding in the majority of large mediastinal tumors. Often the large mass simulates cardiomegaly, but a normal position of the esophagus on the lateral roentgenogram is evidence against significant cardiac enlargement.

4. Well penetrated chest roentgenograms will usually demonstrate the outlines of the underlying heart and diaphragms, since these structures are always of greater roentgenographic density than the fatty tumor. This finding is virtually pathognomonic and will obviate the need for angiocardiography or pneumomediastinum.

5. The thin periphery of the tumor may be considerably more lucent than the bulky center—a suggestive finding.

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