Atypical intermediate-grade mediastinal carcinoid. Case presentation.

BACKGROUND

Approximately 25% of carcinoid tumors develop in the respiratory system. Neuroendocrine carcinoids represent ~5% of all mediastinal tumors and 1-5% of all intrathoracic neoplasms. They contain numerous neurosecretory granules that synthesize, store and release neurohumoral substances that can induce the carcinoid syndrome.

CLINICAL CASE: A 21-year-old male presented with a rapidly progressive paraneoplastic syndrome unleashed by an acute urethritis. Two left mediastinal masses were identified and resected. Postoperative evolution has been uneventful during the first year.

CONCLUSIONS

We emphasize the importance of early detection of primary and satellite lesions of these tumors including neurohumoral markers and PET/CT scans as in this case, as well as the participation of a multidisciplinary team.