Chest CT Findings of Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor of Thymus:Analysis of 7 Cases

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical features of primary neuroendocrine tumor of thymus (pNET) on computed tomography (CT). <b>Method</b> CT findings and clinical features of 7 patients with pathologically confirmed primary pNET were retrospectively analyzed. Results There were 2 male and 5 female patients aged (52.1±13.3) years,without accompanying endocrine symptoms. Three patients had low-and intermediate-grade pNET and 4 had high-grade pNET. CT showed solid masses in the anterior mediastinum with heterogeneous density,and the average maximum diameter was 6.6 cm. Five patients had necrosis and 4 patients had calcification. After contrast administration,5 cases showed flower ring-like enhancement and 2 cases showed rim enhancement. All lesions showed invasive features,including vessel encompassment (n=5),involvement of surrounding fat space (n=4),involvement of the pleura (n=3),involvement of pericardium (n=2),involvement of chest wall (n=1),direct lung involvement (n=2),lymphadenopathy (n=1),and primary renal neuroendocrine tumor with lung metastasis (n=1). Conclusion pNET is mainly seen in middle-aged people. The typical characteristics of pNET on CT include large mass,calcification,necrosis,and flower ring-like enhancement. CT can clearly display the pNET and the involvement of its surrounding tissues and therefore is helpful for preoperative diagnosis and WHO classification of pNET.