title: Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a primary manifestation of gastric carcinoma in a young adult: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lymphangitic carcinomatosis as a manifestation of gastric carcinoma is rare. The presenting symptoms are misleading and nonspecific, often resulting in delayed diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a 24 year old male with progressive dyspnea. Initial radiologic assessment suggested interstitial lung disease, which was subsequently treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids. However, endoscopy and whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a metastatic gastric cancer with the presence of lymphangitic carcinomatosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a rare manifestation of metastatic gastric cancer. Patients present with severe but non-specific respiratory complaints. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by transbronchial biopsy. Prognosis is poor and optimal treatment is not defined. Whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a promising imaging tool for the diagnosis of metastatic gastric cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven, Digestive Oncology Unit, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moubax
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wuyts
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vandecaveye
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Prenen
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D008205:Lymphangitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult