J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.
2004 Mar;24(1):156-160.
A case of thymic carcinoid tumor aggravating asthma
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, College of medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongjoo, Korea. mkkim@med.chungbuk.ac.kr
Abstract
- Thymic carcinoid tumors are very rare and grow slowly with low grade of malignancy. It can manifest flushing, diarrhea, and bronchial constriction with secretion of serotonins, histamines or neuropeptides. We experienced a case of thymic carcinoid tumor, which aggravated asthma. A 59-year-old male had been in a well-controlled state, until he was admitted for status asthmaticus 2 years ago. Since then, he had suffered from frequent dyspnea and had severe asthma attack leading to ICU care twice in spite of full optimal anti-asthma therapy. Nine months ago, anterior mediastinal tumor was found incidentally, which was diagnosed as carcinoid tumor. After resection, his asthmatic symptoms and signs were improved and controlled in a persistent mild state. Taken together, this case indicates that asthma might be aggravated by carcinoid syndrome caused by thymic carcinoid tumors.
