Brain Cystic Metastases in a Patient with Advanced Atypical Lung Carcinoid

Abstract

Introduction: Cystic brain lesions represented a rare finding in cancer patients, even more uncommon in rare disease as neuroendocrine neoplasms. Patient Presentation: We presented a case of a patient with neurologic symptoms as first and only presentation of a neuroendocrine tumor of the lung. Management and Outcome: First of all, the patient underwent neuroradiologic assessment with the finding of cystic brain lesions. A chest and abdomen CT scan detected a pulmonary lesion; a biopsy of this mass revealed an atypical carcinoid of the lung. Considering the absence of other symptoms, in order to clarify the nature of the cystic brain lesions, a right frontal craniotomy was performed, and a cyst was completely excised. Pathology confirmed the metastatic nature of the brain lesions. Unfortunately, the conditions of the patient quickly worsened, and he passed away before the start of the treatment. Conclusion: Due to the low awareness about neuroendocrine tumors and their clinical and radiological presentations, multidisciplinary approach can represent the cornerstone to provide an accurate and timely diagnosis.