Work

Navigating Diagnostic Challenges: Primary Pulmonary Choriocarcinoma Depicted by Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This report explores a noteworthy case diagnosed with primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC), a rare and often fatal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor. Initially misdiagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma, this case underscores the diagnostic complexities associated with PPC. A 44-year-old woman initially misdiagnosed with non-small lung cancer underwent unsuccessful chemoradiation. Emergency presentation with gastrointestinal bleeding revealed intestinal intussusception and severe anemia, rendering her ineligible for surgery. A thorough assessment, including fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), uncovered an aggressive neoplastic pattern. A subsequent biopsy confirmed PPC. Ten cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide on day 1, followed by etoposide, methotrexate, and dactinomycin on day 8) were offered. A complete metastatic response and a marked primary tumor reduction were evident at the end of therapy by PET/CT. Our findings underscore the importance of whole-body FDG PET/CT in comprehensively evaluating disease extent, displaying aggressive and atypical patterns, and offering guidance in complicated cases under multidisciplinary settings.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69866

Authors: Fatimah Abu Aljaaz, Serin Moghrabi, Dhuha Al-Adhami, Marwa Al-Shatti, Akram Al-Ibraheem

Institution: King Hussein Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Testicular diseases and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402702297