title: [Lung adenocarcinoma associated with systemic sclerosis: a case report].
abstract: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a connective tissue disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by immune abnormalities, which has been related to an increased risk of malignancy. Lung cancer is the most prevalent among these patients. We present a clinical case of a 42 years old non smoker female with systemic sclerosis. She presented progressive general health status worsening and an exudative pleural effusion, with no evidence of infection or malignancy. Chest high resolution computed tomography revealed pulmonary fibrosis. Bronchoscopy, bronchial and bronchoalveolar lavage were normal. Extra- -pulmonary malignancies were excluded. Pleural nodularities were found on pleuroscopy and the biopsy was compatible with lung adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy was then started, which complicated with febrile neutropenia, sepsis and patient death 12 days after. The purpose of this case report is to bring attention to the relationship, although rare, between systemic sclerosis and lung cancer, stressing the importance of adequate pulmonary surveillance in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de São João, EPE, Porto.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bento
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Maria Alice
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.forename: Ana Rosa
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Venceslau
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hespanhol
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*