AUTHOR=Chen Yulin , Qiu Li , Kou Wei , Liu Zhongqiang 

TITLE=Upper airway obstruction and dyspnea in an infant caused by mediastinal and endotracheal lipoblastoma: a case report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1535594

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2025.1535594

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundLipoblastoma is a benign tumor of embryonal fat tissue that typically affects children under the age of 3 years. The impact of lipoblastoma on the body largely depends on the tumor’s location and its involvement with adjacent organs. Mediastinal lipoblastoma, a relatively rare form, often presents with dyspnea and difficulty breathing, however, airway involvement has not been previously reported.Case presentationWe describe a 4-month-old female infant diagnosed with lipoblastoma in the mediastinum and endotracheal region, leading to progressive upper airway obstruction and dyspnea. Diagnosis was confirmed through imaging and histopathological analysis. The patient underwent a series of treatments, including bronchoscopic-guided endotracheal intubation with ventilator-assisted ventilation, ECMO-supported mass resection, and airway reconstruction. The patient ultimately achieved complete recovery, with no tumor recurrence observed at a 2-month follow-up.ConclusionMediastinal lipoblastoma can be a significant cause of upper respiratory obstruction and respiratory distress in children. The potential for tracheal infiltration, as seen in this case, has not been previously reported and can pose a life-threatening risk. Recognizing and understanding this rare presentation is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management of this condition.