Carcinoma tímico: causa de alargamento mediastinal / Thymic carcinoma: cause of mediastinal enlargement

RESUMO: Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo feminino, 76 anos, com tosse há seis meses. Os exames laboratoriais estavam normais. Na radiografia do tórax observou-se alargamento do mediastino no terço médio do tórax. Posteriormente, foram realizadas tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética do tórax que caracterizaram uma massa localizada no mediastino anterior, envolvendo a aorta ascendente e comprimindo a veia cava superior. O diagnóstico histológico pós-biópsia e ressecção parcial da lesão foi de um carcinoma tímico de células escamosas. (AU)

ABSTRACT: We report the case of a female patient, 76 years old, with a cough for six months. Laboratory tests were normal. Chest X-ray revealed enlargement of the mediastinum in the middle third of the thorax. Later, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax were performed, characterizing a mass located in the anterior mediastinum, involving the ascending aorta and compressing the superior vena cava. Histological diagnosis after biopsy and partial resection of the lesion was a thymic squamous cell carcinoma. (AU)

Cervicomedullary primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the spine: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are tumors found rarely in the cervical region, with only five such cases described in the literature. The available literature contains only one report regarding cervicomedullary junction PNET. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present a case report of a 45-year-old male patient who had undergone urgent hospitalization owing to progressive tetraparesis and subtle impairment of respiratory function. He underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which showed an extensive enhancing cervical intramedullary tumor extending from C5 to the bulbar region. Since he developed severe impairment of respiratory function, he required tracheostomy. He then underwent microsurgery 2 days after his admission, and a partial tumor resection was performed. The pathological diagnosis of PNET of the cervicomedullary junction (CMJ) was made. He had slight worsening of strength after surgery with subsequent deterioration over the next 3 weeks. The tumor displayed aggressive growth; thus, radiotherapy was indicated. Unfortunately, he developed severe febrile neutropenia and died after 2 weeks of radiotherapy. Given the rarity of the condition, we wish to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options of his population. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary PNETs of the cervical spine and CMJ are exceedingly rare in adults; treatment of such patients remains a challenge, despite the modern neurosurgical armamentarium that is available.