Thinking Outside of the Sector: Detection of a Mediastinal Thymoma in Transthoracic Echocardiography

Routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) provides detailed information about intracardiac heart function and physiology. Although statements about the pericardium and visualization of extracardiac areas such as the liver and pleural space are provided in a report, it is often beyond the standard of practice for the cardiac sonographer and interpreting cardiologist to comment on extraneous thoracic abnormalities. This case study demonstrates the findings of a mediastinal thymoma detected by TTE and cross-correlation with thoracic computed tomographic angiography to further detail the existence and location of this incidental finding. The aim of this case study is to alert sonographers and physicians to this particular pathologic entity that was seen during an echocardiogram and can be further investigated for diagnostic completeness.