A Massive Thymic Carcinoma Presenting as Superior Vena Cava and Inferior Vena Cava Syndromes

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  • 上大静脈症候群と下大静脈症候群を呈した巨大な胸腺癌の１剖検例

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Background. There are some case reports of thymic cancer or invasive thymoma presenting as superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, but there have been few reports of thymic carcinoma asscociated with inferior vena cava (IVC) syndrome. Case. A 76-year-old man was referred to our department with an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray film and persistent cough for approximately 3 months. Thymic carcinoma was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy which revealed edema in both upper extremities and face. Contrast-enhanced CT further revealed SVC syndrome due to invasion of thymic cancer. Radiation treatment of the lesion improved the symptoms. Thereafter, bilateral edema in his lower extremities gradually increased. A thrombus in the IVC was suspected based on contrast-enhanced CT, and we initiated anticoagulant therapy. Seven months after hospitalization, the patient died of disease progression, and an autopsy was performed. Pathological findings revealed a massive tumor expanding from the right anterior mediastinum, invading the posterior of the liver through the diaphragm, and extending to the region surrounding the IVC and compressing it. Conclusion. We report a rare case of thymic carcinoma which presented as SVC syndrome and IVC syndrome. <br>

Journal

  • Haigan

    Haigan 51 (3), 202-206, 2011

    The Japan Lung Cancer Society

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