A case of cardiac metastasis of neuroendocrine tumor with 2-year follow-up.

ABSTRACT

A 55-year-old male underwent surgery for thymus gland tumors six years previously, and for lung and pancreas tumors three years previously, which were pathologically diagnosed as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). During routine medical checkups, a giant negative T-wave was observed on the electrocardiogram. Echocardiography revealed a tumor at the apex. A surgical biopsy was performed; the tumor was diagnosed as a cardiac metastasis of NETs, and chemotherapy was initiated. Two years later, echocardiography confirmed that the tumor had not increased in size. A 2-year follow-up of NETs cardiac metastasis is rare; we therefore report this case. Learning objective: Neuroendocrine tumors are considered slowly progressing tumors, but despite the presence of cardiac metastasis, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment have allowed the patient to survive the disease for more than two years.