Aggressive and progressive fibrosing mediastinitis involving the thoracic spine mimicking malignancy: A case report

Fibrosing mediastinitis is an uncommon benign disorder in which a chronic inflammatory reaction results in diffuse fibrosis of the mediastinum, potentially compromising the airways, great vessels and other mediastinal structures. Herein we describe a progressive course of fibrosing mediastinitis in a 72-year-old man. Computed tomography images depicted a diffuse, infiltrative, soft tissue mass involving the esophagus and superior vena cava in the mediastinum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed destruction of the adjacent thoracic spine. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography also revealed increased metabolism in the periphery of the mass.