Diffuse pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia with probable carcinoid
Presentation
10 pack-year smoking history and complained of shortness of breath upon admission; the remaining review of symptoms was negative.
Patient Data
In the upper lobe of there is a nodule with regular margins, without calcifications, with intense enhancement attributable to carcinoid. In both lungs are visible numerous small nodules with a diameter up to 7 mm. There is also a mosaic appearance as air trapping.
Case Discussion
Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare disorder and information on this disease is limited, especially with regard to its management and prognosis. It has become generally accepted that DIPNECH is a precursor lesion to pulmonary carcinoid tumors.
The majority of patients are middle-aged women who present with symptoms of cough and dyspnea, obstructive abnormalities on pulmonary function testing and pulmonary nodules, and bronchiectasis.