Complete lung collapse in a young adolescent

Abstract

Bronchial carcinoid tumours (BCTs) arise from the neuroendocrine cells of the bronchial epithelium known as Kulchitsky cells. They represent ~25% of all carcinoid tumours, usually have a central distribution, and present with features of bronchial obstruction. They are the most common lung malignancy in children. Here we report the case of a 14-year-old girlwith chronic respiratory symptoms and left lung collapse due to bronchial carcinoid. The differential diagnosis of segmental, lobar or total lung collapse in a young person also includes mucus plugging or foreign body aspiration.

Keywords: atypical carcinoid; bronchial; carcinoid; neuroendocrine tumor; typical carcinoid.

Fig. 1

(A and B) Chest radiograph PA and lateral showing left lung collapse (left hemithorax homogenous opacity with volume loss). (C) Mediastinal window shows a well-defined intraluminal growth in the the left main bronchus occluding the airway (arrow). (D) Fibre optic bronchoscopy, reddish-yellow polypoidal mass occluding whole lumen of the left main bronchus. (E and F) Post pneumonectomy view. Huge bulky tumour removed from left main bronchus. (G) Round nuclei and ample amounts of granular cytoplasm seen at high power. (H) Stain positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin.