Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a primary manifestation of gastric carcinoma in a young adult: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a manifestation of gastric carcinoma is rare. The presenting symptoms are misleading and nonspecific, often resulting in delayed diagnosis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We pre...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Moubax Kim, Wuyts Wim, Vandecaveye Vincent, Prenen Hans
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2012-11-01
Series:BMC Research Notes
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/5/638
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Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a manifestation of gastric carcinoma is rare. The presenting symptoms are misleading and nonspecific, often resulting in delayed diagnosis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of a 24 year old male with progressive dyspnea. Initial radiologic assessment suggested interstitial lung disease, which was subsequently treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids. However, endoscopy and whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a metastatic gastric cancer with the presence of lymphangitic carcinomatosis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a rare manifestation of metastatic gastric cancer. Patients present with severe but non-specific respiratory complaints. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by transbronchial biopsy. Prognosis is poor and optimal treatment is not defined. Whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a promising imaging tool for the diagnosis of metastatic gastric cancer.</p>
ISSN:1756-0500