Multifocal primary intrapulmonary thymoma successfully resected via robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Abstract

Primary intrapulmonary thymoma (PIT) represents a rare subset of ectopic thymoma that arises solely from inside the pulmonary parenchyma. Multifocal PIT, where multiple isolated PIT origins coexist in the lungs, has only been confirmed in one previous case report, in which the patient died before surgical resection. These tumours are difficult to diagnose as imaging findings are non-specific, and non-invasive biopsy often yields inaccurate results. We present the case of a man in his 70s who was referred to thoracic surgery for resection of a presumptive endobronchial pulmonary carcinoid tumour. Only after surgical resection did we identify that the patient had multifocal PIT. In this report, we describe our diagnostic and management process for this patient and review the current literature on PIT.