Mediastinal teratoma causing acute chest pain: case report and literature review

Acute chest pain often prompts evaluation for life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection. Thoracic teratomas, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in younger patients without cardiovascular risk factors. Mediastinal teratomas can present with acute chest pain due to rapid growth, compression, or rupture, causing severe complications like hemothorax or pericardial effusion. Imaging studies such as chest X-ray or CT scan are essential for identifying such unusual causes. This article presents the case of a patient whose acute chest pain was due to a thoracic teratoma, highlighting the importance of considering rare diagnoses for timely and effective management.