Intraventricular metastases from small cell carcinoma of the lung

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 May 8:2012:bcr1220115440. doi: 10.1136/bcr.12.2011.5440.

Abstract

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) represents 15-20% of all lung cancers. It is characterised by rapid growth and early metastatic dissemination. Generally, the prognosis of these patients is poor. When brain metastases develop, the prognosis is even poorer. Most of these cases present parenchymal metastases; however, intraventricular dissemination may also occur although it is very uncommon. To our knowledge the case reported here is the first showing multiple synchronic intraventricular dissemination from SCLC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / therapy
  • Cerebral Ventricles / pathology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed