Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as Supraventricular Tachycardia

Abstract

Despite numerous advancements in diagnostics and treatment, lung cancer carries a high mortality rate. This is primarily attributable to the fact that the majority of patients present with stage III or IV disease and otherwise non-specific symptoms. In this article, we discuss a rare case of stage IV lung cancer presenting as supraventricular tachycardia secondary to cardiomediastinal involvement. Unfortunately, by the time the tumor had involved the mediastinum, surgical options were limited and treatment was largely palliative.

Refractory atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate in a patient with small cell carcinoma of the lung encasing the right pulmonary artery : A case report and insight into therapeutic options.

“…Our finding was further corroborated by two similar reports. In one report by Amin et al, a case of atrial fibrillation was converted to and maintained in normal sinus rhythm using metoprolol after a successful tumor reduction with chemotherapy in a patient with atrial fibrillation and non-small cell lung cancer [ 15 ]. Another similar case was reported by Ahmed et al, where a patient with atrial fibrillation as a result of small cell lung cancer had an auto conversion to normal sinus rhythm after chemotherapy [ 16 ].…”