Is this dyspnea because of coronary artery disease? A rare case report of primary neuroendocrine tumor in anterior mediastinum

Perfusion. 2024 May;39(4):854-858. doi: 10.1177/02676591231160545. Epub 2023 Mar 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Mediastinal neuroendocrine tumors are rare malignancies with aggressive behavior and a grim prognosis. These malignancies often go undetected until they are diagnosed at advanced stages.

Case report: We present the case of 74 -years old man who was hospitalized because of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and in case of three vessels coronary artery disease, coronary bypass surgery was planned. During preoperative investigation, computer tomography revealed a huge tumor (20 cm × 11 cm × 21 cm in size) in the anterior mediastinum. Successful simultaneous operation coronary bypass surgery and removal of the mediastinal tumor was performed.

Discussion: Surgery is the treatment of choice for neuroendocrine tumors but the relapse rate ranges between 5% and 30% and is higher (65%) in atypical neuroendocrine tumors and patients with mediastinal node involvement. Despite the poor prognosis of neuroendocrine tumors, the spread to the lymph nodes, the patient continues chemotherapy treatment 49 months after the operation.

Keywords: acute coronary syndrome; carcinoid tumor; chest pain; dyspnea; neuroendocrine mediastinum tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / surgery
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms* / complications
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / complications
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / surgery