Ces radiol. 2019, 73(4):240-243 | DOI: 10.55095/CesRadiol2019/036

An anterior mediastinal mass in a patient with an intestinal neuroendocrine tumourCase report

Jan Mašek¹, Jiří Grim², Eva Kočová¹

¹ Radiologická klinika LF UK a FN, Hradec Králové

² Klinika onkologie a radioterapie LF UK a FN, Hradec Králové

Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) of the small intestine are usually well-differentiated, slow-growing tumours, although they are often diagnosed at late stages. A combination of morphologic and functional imaging methods is used in diagnosing. Tumours expressing somatostatin receptors can be visualized by scintigraphy or positron emission tomography (PET) techniques. Our case report describes a patient, presenting with symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome, who was diagnosed with a NET when a complication in the form of a small bowel obstruction occurred. Extensive liver metastases had already been present. After a bowel resection and a liver transplant had been performed, the patient's condition improved significantly. However, the tumour later metastasized in the anterior mediastinum and the thoracic wall despite the pharmacologic treatment. In the discussion, we also focus on the differential diagnosis of the patient's anterior mediastinal mass. Except the metastasis, a complicated pericardial cyst was also taken into consideration.

Keywords: intestine, mediastinum, mass, metastasis, neuroendocrine

Accepted: November 15, 2019; Published: December 1, 2019  Show citation