An Undifferentiated Primary Mediastinal Carcinoma Compressing the Main Pulmonary Artery: A Rare Cause of Right Ventricular Strain.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-23-2024

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Undifferentiated carcinoma (or poorly differentiated carcinoma) of the mediastinum is a relatively rare pathological variant of anterior mediastinal tumors. Pathologists usually use the term to describe an epithelial tumor with no histological features that enable the identification of its site of origin. Invasion of adjacent vital cardiopulmonary structures is among the most problematic complications of anterior mediastinal masses. We report a case of a 60-year-old male presenting with easy fatiguability, significant weight loss, and chest pain. A CT scan of the chest revealed a large anterior mediastinal mass, compression of the main pulmonary artery, and a large pericardial effusion. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis, emergent radiotherapy, and platinum-based chemotherapy. His condition dramatically improved, and he was subsequently discharged home for further follow-up.

Volume

16

Issue

1

First Page

e52789

DOI

10.7759/cureus.52789

ISSN

2168-8184

PubMed ID

38268992

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