Thymic carcinoid associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type I

Arch Bronconeumol. 2013 Mar;49(3):122-5. doi: 10.1016/j.arbres.2012.06.002. Epub 2012 Jul 23.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Thymic carcinoids are a rare entity that may be associated with endocrine diseases like Cushing's syndrome or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type I (MEN1). These tumors represent 4% of anterior mediastinal tumors and are characterized by their very aggressive behavior. We present the case of a patient with a previous MEN 1 diagnosis in whom, during the follow up of his disease, a thoracic image compatible with thymic carcinoid was detected. After an extended thymectomy that included peri-thymic fat resection, the clinical diagnosis was confirmed. A follow up examination 14 months later revealed a suspicious lesion that suggested local recurrence, therefore the patient was reoperated on. The pathology report of this surgery indicated post-radiation fibrosis. Likewise, we present a review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with MEN1 syndrome who are diagnosed with thymic carcinoid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnosis*