Case Report
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a primary manifestation of gastric carcinoma in a young adult: a case report and review of the literature
Author affiliations
1 Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Digestive Oncology Unit, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
2 Department of Pneumology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
3 Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Citation and License
BMC Research Notes 2012, 5:638 doi:10.1186/1756-0500-5-638
Published: 16 November 2012Abstract
Background
Lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a manifestation of gastric carcinoma is rare. The presenting symptoms are misleading and nonspecific, often resulting in delayed diagnosis.
Case presentation
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.
Conclusions
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.
