[Atypical metastatic sites for adenocarcinoma of the lung]

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2013 Feb;36(2):e23-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2012.03.009. Epub 2012 Oct 18.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Lung carcinomas have a high propensity to metastasize to the liver, adrenal, bone or brain. However, certain atypical intracranial sites may occur. We report two cases of adenocarcinoma of the lung discovered by peculiar brain metastases. The first patient presented with an orbital apex syndrome due to a metastasis to the cavernous sinus with intraorbital extension. The second patient presented with headache and visual loss due to metastasis to the pituitary. Intrasellar and parasellar metastases are rare sequelae of pulmonary neoplasms. Etiological diagnosis is based on imaging and sampling or biopsy. They are often associated with a poor prognosis. The differential diagnosis of an intracranial process in the area of the sella should include metastasis even in the absence of a known primary cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Cavernous Sinus / diagnostic imaging
  • Cavernous Sinus / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gadolinium
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / secondary
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Gadolinium