Introduction:

teratoma is a tumor that originates from germ cells and it is constituted by different tissues derived from one or several embryonic layers. Mediastinal teratomas arise as a consequence of an embryogenic error during the migration of germ cells to the gonads.

Case report:

infant with unilateral white lung, discrete catarrhal manifestations and initial diagnosis of extensive pneumonia. The persistence of the radiological picture led to high clinical suspicion of non-infectious underlying etiology. Multislice computed tomography was performed during his admission, which showed images suggestive of mediastinal tumor. He underwent surgery with histological diagnosis of mature mediastinal teratoma.

Conclusions:

mediastinal teratoma is a rare entity with non-specific clinical features. They usually present as slow-resolution or persistent pneumonia, with inconclusive signs in pulmonary radiography. Its treatment is eminently surgical; other therapeutic pillars are evaluated in the pathologic context. The varieties with the worst prognosis have their onset in the first year of life; the clinical case presented is a significant exception.

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