Systemic-pulmonary shunting and hemoptysis in a benign intrathoracic teratoma.

Hemoptysis as a presenting symptom in benign intrathoracic teratoma is rare, but we have documented one such case and discuss the various possibilities of why such a problem should arise. The bleeding was secondary to systemic-pulmonary artery shunting, caused at least in part by extensive pleural adhesions. The exact cause of the adhesions was not determined but possibilities include previous infection or trauma. The tumor was successfully removed surgically.