A case of madness resulting in a fortunate outcome; case report of a psychotic break as a result of cortisol secreting thymic neuroendocrine thymic tumor. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Durrani, Jibran; Malik, Faizan; Ali, Naveed; Jafri, Syed Imran Mustafa; Hamid, Mohsin
• Is Part Of: Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives. Volume 8:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Neuroendocrine tumors -- Thymus -- psychosis -- cortisol; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Hospitals, Community; Internal Medicine; Hospitals; Internal medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2018.1428022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-9666

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Representing a mere 2–5% of the total thymic malignancies and 0.4% of total carcinoid tumors, primary thymic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the zebras of the thymic neoplasms. They were initially characterized as 'epithelial thymomas'; later, the term carcinoid tumors was coined by Rosai and Higa. These tumors are highly unpredictable in their presentation and prognosis. Coupled with variable clinical presentation, rare pathologic diagnosis and absence of diagnostic and prognostic parameters, it is a challenge for both patients and clinicians. Treatment entails local definitive therapy, symptom control and systemic chemoradiation given either pre or post operatively based on staging and resectability. We hereby report a peculiar case of psychosis that likely resulted from one such rare tumor.