Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Right Upper Lobe in an 11-Year-Old Boy Presenting with Dyspnea: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm, particularly in the pediatric lung. It often mimics malignancy clinically and radiologically, which can pose diagnostic challenges. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old boy presented with progressive dyspnea. Physical examination revealed decreased breath sounds over the right upper lung field. Chest computed tomography showed a 6 × 5.4 × 5.3 cm enhancing mass with central necrosis at the apex of the right lung, causing complete obstruction of the right upper lobe bronchus and encasement of the associated artery. Right hilar lymphadenopathy and adjacent pleural involvement were also noted. Bronchoscopy findings were unremarkable. The patient underwent surgical resection of the mass. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the diagnosis of IMT. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient remained symptom-free during follow-up without the need for adjuvant therapy. Conclusions: IMT should be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric pulmonary masses causing bronchial obstruction. Complete surgical excision is associated with favorable outcomes, even in cases with aggressive radiologic features.