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Cureus Jan 2024[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19418.].
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19418.].
PubMed: 38274616
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.r94 -
Journal of Investigative Medicine High... 2023Pancoast tumor is a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer; cardiac metastasis is very uncommon. We present a case of advanced Pancoast tumor, with extensive cardiac...
Pancoast tumor is a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer; cardiac metastasis is very uncommon. We present a case of advanced Pancoast tumor, with extensive cardiac metastases and intracardiac thrombosis in a woman presenting with dyspnea, shoulder pain, and weight loss. A contrast-enhanced chest computed tomographic scan revealed an apical mass, metastatic thoracic nodes, and filling defects within both ventricles. Further imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed 2 left ventricular masses infiltrating into the myocardium suggestive of metastatic disease, and a multilobulated mass within the right ventricle suggestive of intracardiac thrombus. She was initiated on anticoagulation for intracardiac thrombosis. Surgical pathology of biopsied tissue samples was consistent with advanced metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. She was a poor candidate for surgical intervention. Given the patient's goals of care, she was ultimately transitioned to comfort care.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pancoast Syndrome; Heart Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Thrombosis; Adenocarcinoma of Lung
PubMed: 36772879
DOI: 10.1177/23247096231154642 -
Cureus Feb 2021A 65-year-old man with 50 pack-year smoking history presented to the emergency department for evaluation of upper back and right shoulder pain secondary to a fall....
A 65-year-old man with 50 pack-year smoking history presented to the emergency department for evaluation of upper back and right shoulder pain secondary to a fall. Physical examination was notable for anisocoria with a constricted left pupil (miosis), mild ptosis of the left eyelid, and bilateral shoulder pain, right more than left, with both passive and active movements. Chest computed tomography identified a soft tissue mass at the left lung apex with extension into the pleural surface, associated with destructive osseous changes of the right scapula, adjacent ribs, and thoracic vertebral bodies. Imaging of the brain revealed multiple masses suspicious of metastatic brain lesions. Biopsy of the right supraclavicular lymph node revealed lung tissue adenocarcinoma and negative Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (K-Ras), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-raf proto-oncogene (BRAF), C-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement. Recognizing Pancoast syndrome in patients with significant smoking history, anisocoria, and shoulder pain is crucial for identifying the underlying etiology and expediting the treatment.
PubMed: 33728131
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13112 -
JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical... Feb 2022Small cell lung cancer mostly arises centrally in the large bronchi. The literature search revealed very limited cases of small cell lung cancer arising at the upper...
Small cell lung cancer mostly arises centrally in the large bronchi. The literature search revealed very limited cases of small cell lung cancer arising at the upper part of the pulmonary sulcus near the thoracic inlet as superior sulcus tumor and also manifesting with typical Pancoast syndrome. We report a case of a 71 years old male patient, presenting with features of Pancoast syndrome including Horner's syndrome with completed three cycles of chemotherapy resulting in partial response which concludes that small cell lung carcinoma has to be considered despite the clinical findings like pancoast syndrome.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Pancoast Syndrome; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
PubMed: 35210644
DOI: 10.31729/jnma.6620 -
Asian Spine Journal Oct 2022Retrospective cohort study.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients who had T4 Pancoast tumors invading the spine and underwent en bloc resection and spinal stabilization through a single-stage posterior approach.
OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE
Surgical resection for Pancoast tumors affecting the spine has been successfully performed in two stages involving spinal reconstruction and tumor resection. However, reports have rarely presented the results of en bloc resection combined with spinal stabilization for T4 Pancoast tumors invading the spine through a single-stage posterior approach.
METHODS
Patients who had T4N0M0 Pancoast tumors invading the spine and underwent a single-stage posterior approach were retrospectively recruited. The following data were obtained and examined: demographics, tumor histology, preoperative and postoperative therapy, complications, spinal reconstruction technique, tumor resection extent, survival time, and disease recurrence.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients were included. The mean population age was 61±17 years, and the most common pathological type was adenocarcinoma (61.1%). Complete resection (R0) was obtained in 15 patients (83.3%), positive surgical margins (R1) were found in three patients (16.7%), and the 90-day mortality rate was 0%. Postoperative major complications were detected in 12 patients (66.7%), who required reoperation. The mean survival time was 67±24 months, but the median survival time was not reached. Among the patients, 10 (55.6%) are still alive at the end of the study. The 2- and 5-year actual survival rates were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.7%-82.3%) and 52.5% (95% CI, 28.4%-76.6%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
En bloc resection and spinal stabilization through a single-stage posterior approach might be effective for T4 Pancoast tumors invading the spine.
PubMed: 35654107
DOI: 10.31616/asj.2021.0202 -
Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular... 2017
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pancoast Syndrome
PubMed: 28684005
DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2017.03.002 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Mar 2023Pancoast tumor resection planning requires precise interpretation of 2-dimensional images. We hypothesized that patient-specific 3-dimensional reconstructions, providing...
OBJECTIVE
Pancoast tumor resection planning requires precise interpretation of 2-dimensional images. We hypothesized that patient-specific 3-dimensional reconstructions, providing intuitive views of anatomy, would enable superior anatomic assessment.
METHODS
Cross-sectional images from 9 patients with representative Pancoast tumors, selected from an institutional database, were randomly assigned to presentation as 2-dimensional images, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction, or 3-dimensional physical reconstruction. Thoracic surgeons (n = 15) completed questionnaires on the tumor extent and a zone-based algorithmic surgical approach for each patient. Responses were compared with surgical pathology, documented surgical approach, and the optimal "zone-specific" approach. A 5-point Likert scale assessed participants' opinions regarding data presentation and potential benefits of patient-specific 3-dimensional models.
RESULTS
Identification of tumor invasion of segmented neurovascular structures was more accurate with 3-dimensional physical reconstruction (2-dimensional 65.56%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 58.52%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 87.50%, P < .001); there was no difference for unsegmented structures. Classification of assessed zonal invasion was better with 3-dimensional physical reconstruction (2-dimensional 67.41%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 77.04%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 86.67%; P = .001). However, selected surgical approaches were often discordant from documented (2-dimensional 23.81%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 42.86%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 45.24%, P = .084) and "zone-specific" approaches (2-dimensional 33.33%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 42.86%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 45.24%, P = .501). All surgeons agreed that 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction and 3-dimensional physical reconstruction benefit surgical planning. Most surgeons (14/15) agreed that 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction and 3-dimensional physical reconstruction would facilitate patient and interdisciplinary communication. Finally, most surgeons (14/15) agreed that 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction and 3-dimensional physical reconstruction's benefits outweighed potential delays in care for model construction.
CONCLUSIONS
Although a consistent effect on surgical strategy was not identified, patient-specific 3-dimensional Pancoast tumor models provided accurate and user-friendly overviews of critical thoracic structures with perceived benefits for surgeons' clinical practices.
Topics: Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Models, Anatomic; Pancoast Syndrome; Surgeons; Surgery, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 36241449
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2022.08.037 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Mar 2022Pancoast tumors represent a unique subset of lung cancers wherein a primary neoplasm arises in the lung's apex and invades the surrounding soft tissues. One of the main...
BACKGROUND
Pancoast tumors represent a unique subset of lung cancers wherein a primary neoplasm arises in the lung's apex and invades the surrounding soft tissues. One of the main challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of these apical lung cancers is that they are usually not visualized on initial chest x-ray and, by the time the patient presents with symptoms, the tumor has almost always invaded nearby structures.
CASE PRESENTATION
Herein we report a case of a 58-year-old nonsmoking African American male who presented to the neurology clinic with a history of multiple chronic joint pains. The patient complained of shoulder pain that traveled into his right arm and right finger and had worsened over the past 9 months. The patient also reported decreased right proximal strength and swelling of his right hand. Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder and cervical region showed mild cervical spondylosis and a questionable right apical mass. A subsequent high-resolution computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a large right apical lung mass, with chest wall invasion and erosion of the adjacent ribs. Biopsy of the mass confirmed poorly differentiated non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation therapy was initiated, and the patient's pain improved significantly. Given the size of the tumor, chemotherapy was recommended by the oncology team. The patient decided against chemotherapy.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis by expanding the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with weakness, sensory loss, and shoulder pain beyond radiculopathy or joint-related diseases. A comprehensive history and careful examination may lead to an earlier diagnosis, more appropriate treatment, and better outcome in cases of Pancoast tumor presenting with neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain.
Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Pancoast Syndrome; Shoulder Pain; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35292093
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03328-4 -
The Journal of Emergency Medicine May 2016Horner's syndrome refers to the clinical triad of ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis resulting from disruption of the ocular and facial sympathetic pathways. A myriad of...
BACKGROUND
Horner's syndrome refers to the clinical triad of ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis resulting from disruption of the ocular and facial sympathetic pathways. A myriad of etiologies can lead to Horner's syndrome; awareness of the underlying anatomy can assist physicians in identifying potential causes and initiating appropriate care.
CASE REPORT
Two patients presented to our Nashville-area hospital in 2014. Patient 1 was a 26-year-old man who noticed facial asymmetry one day after an outpatient orthopedic procedure. His symptoms were attributed to his posterior interscalene anesthesia device; with deactivation of this device, the symptoms rapidly resolved. Patient 2 was a 42-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with persistent headache and ptosis over several weeks. Computed tomography angiography revealed ipsilateral carotid dissection and the patient was admitted for further management. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The pathologies underlying Horner's syndrome are exceedingly diverse. Although classic teaching often focuses on neoplastic causes, and more specifically Pancoast tumors, neoplasms are discovered only in a small minority of Horner's syndrome cases. Other etiologies include trauma, cervical artery dissection, and infarction. With a better understanding of the pertinent anatomy and array of possible etiologies, emergency physicians may have more success in identifying and treating the causes of Horner's syndrome.
Topics: Adult; Aortic Dissection; Brachial Plexus Block; Carotid Artery Diseases; Emergency Service, Hospital; Headache; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 26899514
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.01.027 -
European Radiology Dec 2021Vertebral invasion is a key prognostic factor and a critical aspect of surgical planning for superior sulcus tumors. This study aims to further evaluate MRI features of...
OBJECTIVES
Vertebral invasion is a key prognostic factor and a critical aspect of surgical planning for superior sulcus tumors. This study aims to further evaluate MRI features of vertebral invasion in order to distinguish it from reactive inflammatory changes.
METHODS
Between 2000 and 2016, a retrospective study was performed at a single institution. All patients with superior sulcus tumors undergoing surgery, including at least two partial vertebrectomies, were included. An expert radiologist evaluated qualitative and quantitative MRI signal intensity characteristics (contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]) of suspected involved and non-involved vertebrae. A comparison of CNR of invaded and sane vertebrae was performed using non-parametric tests. Imaging data were correlated with pathological findings.
RESULTS
A total of 92 surgical samples of vertebrectomy were analyzed. The most specific sequences for invasion were T1 and T2 weighted (92% and 97%, respectively). The most sensitive sequences were contrast enhanced T1 weighted fat suppressed and T2 weighted fat suppressed (100% and 80%). Loss of extrapleural paravertebral fat on the T1-weighted sequence was highly sensitive (100%) but not specific (63%). Using quantitative analysis, the optimum cut-off (p < 0.05) to distinguish invasion from reactive inflammatory changes was CNR > 11 for the T2-weighted fat-sat sequence (sensitivity 100%), CNR > 9 for contrast-enhanced T1-weighted fat-suppressed sequence (sensitivity 100%), and CNR < - 30 for the T1-weighted sequence (specificity 97%). Combining these criteria, 23 partial vertebrectomies could have been avoided in our cohort.
CONCLUSION
Qualitative and quantitative MRI analyses are useful to discriminate vertebral invasion from reactive inflammatory changes.
KEY POINTS
• Abnormal signal intensity in a vertebral body adjacent to a superior sulcus tumor may be secondary to direct invasion or reactive inflammatory changes. • Accurate differentiation between invasion and reactive inflammatory changes significantly impacts surgical planning. T1w and T2w are the best sequences to differentiate malignant versus benign bone marrow changes. The use of quantitative analysis improves MRI specificity. • Using contrast media improves the sensitivity for the detection of tumor invasion.
Topics: Bone Marrow; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spine
PubMed: 33991225
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08001-w