Thymic Carcinoid Associated With Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type I

Abstract

Thymic carcinoids are a rare entity that may be associated with endocrine diseases like Cushing's syndrome or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type I (MEN1). These tumors represent 4% of anterior mediastinal tumors and are characterized by their very aggressive behavior.We present the case of a patient with a previous MEN 1 diagnosis in whom, during the follow up of his disease, a thoracic image compatible with thymic carcinoid was detected. After an extended thymectomy that included peri-thymic fat resection, the clinical diagnosis was confirmed. A follow-up examination 14 months later revealed a suspicious lesion that suggested local recurrence, therefore the patient was reoperated on. The pathology report of this surgery indicated post-radiation fibrosis.Likewise, we present a review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with MEN1 syndrome who are diagnosed with thymic carcinoid.