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

• Main Authors: Moubax Kim, Wuyts Wim, Vandecaveye Vincent, Prenen Hans
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-11-01
• Series: BMC Research Notes
• Subjects: Lymphangitic carcinomatosis; Gastric cancer; Whole body MRI
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/5/638

<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>