Lymphangitic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a well-documented phenomenon caused by spread of carcinoma to the pulmonary vasculature and lymphatics, often resulting in respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. It has been described in numerous types of carcinoma, most commonly occurring with carcinomas of the breast and stomach and with choriocarcinoma. We report the case of a patient who presented with increasing shortness of breath and dyspnea on exertion. Autopsy findings revealed diffuse pulmonary vascular spread of a hepatocellular carcinoma to the lungs. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lymphangitic spread of a hepatocellular carcinoma causing respiratory compromise (lymphangitic carcinomatosis).
Molina
D Kimberley
DK
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio,Tex 78229-3900, USA. tejasloba@yahoo.com
Valente
Philip T
PT
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D008205:Lymphangitis / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged