Atypical carcinoid of thymus associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010 Oct;58(10):534-7. doi: 10.1007/s11748-009-0557-3. Epub 2010 Oct 13.

Abstract

Thymic carcinoid associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1 (MEN-1) is a rare tumor. We report a case of MEN-1-related thymic carcinoid. The patient reported herein had already been diagnosed with MEN-1 and was found to have a mediastinal mass. She underwent thymectomy with partial resection of the left innominate vein and lung. Histological examination revealed atypical carcinoid with infiltration. MEN-1 gene mutation was detected by employing the direct nucleotide sequencing method. Postoperative 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed probable multiple metastases in the vertebrae and myocardium. However, she has been alive and asymptomatic for 2 years postoperatively. MEN-1-related thymic carcinoid is often insidious with a poor prognosis. We suggest chest computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging for MEN-1 patients and serological or genetic screening for patients with thymic carcinoid to screen for MEN-1.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brachiocephalic Veins / pathology
  • Brachiocephalic Veins / surgery
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoid Tumor / secondary
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / genetics
  • Mutation
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Thymectomy
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / genetics
  • Thymus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Thymus Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • MEN1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18