Raina Patel, MD

Background

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly arising in mucosal, nodal, or splenic tissues. While extranodal presentations are recognized, involvement of the sciatic foramen is exceedingly rare. We present a unique case of stage IV MZL with primary involvement of the left sciatic foramen, identified incidentally during urologic evaluation.

Case Presentation

A 74-year-old male patient was referred for hematologic evaluation after imaging revealed a left sciatic foraminal mass during work-up for elevated PSA. CT abdomen/pelvis revealed a 4.7 cm mass in the left sciatic foramen. Follow-up PET-CT confirmed hypermetabolic activity in the mass, with additional areas of uptake in the right ilium and pleural- pericardial regions. The patient was asymptomatic and denied B-symptoms. CT-guided biopsy of the sciatic mass revealed low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Flow cytometry showed a CD20-positive, CD5-negative, CD10-negative, lambda light chain–restricted population consistent with marginal zone lymphoma. Laboratory studies demonstrated iron deficiency anemia, with otherwise unremarkable counts and chemistries. He was started on monotherapy with rituximab for four cycles. He tolerated treatment well. Interval PET imaging in April 2025 showed stable disease in the sciatic foramen and mild improvement in pleural- pericardial uptake. He is planned to start obinutuzumab in the upcoming month.

Discussion

This case illustrates a rare anatomic presentation of MZL, likely representing primary sciatic foramen involvement. The presence of additional PETavid lesions complicates staging, raising consideration of stage I vs. III/IV disease. Biopsy was limited to the sciatic lesion, and no bone marrow sampling was performed. Given the patient’s excellent performance status, absence of symptoms, and low tumor burden, single-agent rituximab was chosen initially in accordance with NCCN guidelines.

Conclusions

Sciatic foramen involvement by MZL is an extremely rare occurrence and may mimic more common soft tissue or neurogenic tumors radiographically. This case underscores the importance of biopsy for diagnosis and the value of multidisciplinary care. In the veteran population, such incidental findings on imaging warrant comprehensive evaluation, particularly in atypical anatomical sites.

Background

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly arising in mucosal, nodal, or splenic tissues. While extranodal presentations are recognized, involvement of the sciatic foramen is exceedingly rare. We present a unique case of stage IV MZL with primary involvement of the left sciatic foramen, identified incidentally during urologic evaluation.

Case Presentation

A 74-year-old male patient was referred for hematologic evaluation after imaging revealed a left sciatic foraminal mass during work-up for elevated PSA. CT abdomen/pelvis revealed a 4.7 cm mass in the left sciatic foramen. Follow-up PET-CT confirmed hypermetabolic activity in the mass, with additional areas of uptake in the right ilium and pleural- pericardial regions. The patient was asymptomatic and denied B-symptoms. CT-guided biopsy of the sciatic mass revealed low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Flow cytometry showed a CD20-positive, CD5-negative, CD10-negative, lambda light chain–restricted population consistent with marginal zone lymphoma. Laboratory studies demonstrated iron deficiency anemia, with otherwise unremarkable counts and chemistries. He was started on monotherapy with rituximab for four cycles. He tolerated treatment well. Interval PET imaging in April 2025 showed stable disease in the sciatic foramen and mild improvement in pleural- pericardial uptake. He is planned to start obinutuzumab in the upcoming month.

Discussion

This case illustrates a rare anatomic presentation of MZL, likely representing primary sciatic foramen involvement. The presence of additional PETavid lesions complicates staging, raising consideration of stage I vs. III/IV disease. Biopsy was limited to the sciatic lesion, and no bone marrow sampling was performed. Given the patient’s excellent performance status, absence of symptoms, and low tumor burden, single-agent rituximab was chosen initially in accordance with NCCN guidelines.

Conclusions

Sciatic foramen involvement by MZL is an extremely rare occurrence and may mimic more common soft tissue or neurogenic tumors radiographically. This case underscores the importance of biopsy for diagnosis and the value of multidisciplinary care. In the veteran population, such incidental findings on imaging warrant comprehensive evaluation, particularly in atypical anatomical sites.

Background

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly arising in mucosal, nodal, or splenic tissues. While extranodal presentations are recognized, involvement of the sciatic foramen is exceedingly rare. We present a unique case of stage IV MZL with primary involvement of the left sciatic foramen, identified incidentally during urologic evaluation.

Case Presentation

A 74-year-old male patient was referred for hematologic evaluation after imaging revealed a left sciatic foraminal mass during work-up for elevated PSA. CT abdomen/pelvis revealed a 4.7 cm mass in the left sciatic foramen. Follow-up PET-CT confirmed hypermetabolic activity in the mass, with additional areas of uptake in the right ilium and pleural- pericardial regions. The patient was asymptomatic and denied B-symptoms. CT-guided biopsy of the sciatic mass revealed low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Flow cytometry showed a CD20-positive, CD5-negative, CD10-negative, lambda light chain–restricted population consistent with marginal zone lymphoma. Laboratory studies demonstrated iron deficiency anemia, with otherwise unremarkable counts and chemistries. He was started on monotherapy with rituximab for four cycles. He tolerated treatment well. Interval PET imaging in April 2025 showed stable disease in the sciatic foramen and mild improvement in pleural- pericardial uptake. He is planned to start obinutuzumab in the upcoming month.

Discussion

This case illustrates a rare anatomic presentation of MZL, likely representing primary sciatic foramen involvement. The presence of additional PETavid lesions complicates staging, raising consideration of stage I vs. III/IV disease. Biopsy was limited to the sciatic lesion, and no bone marrow sampling was performed. Given the patient’s excellent performance status, absence of symptoms, and low tumor burden, single-agent rituximab was chosen initially in accordance with NCCN guidelines.

Conclusions

Sciatic foramen involvement by MZL is an extremely rare occurrence and may mimic more common soft tissue or neurogenic tumors radiographically. This case underscores the importance of biopsy for diagnosis and the value of multidisciplinary care. In the veteran population, such incidental findings on imaging warrant comprehensive evaluation, particularly in atypical anatomical sites.

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including pembrolizumab, are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including immune- mediated hepatitis. Typically, this toxicity manifests within the first 14 weeks of therapy. Delayed presentations beyond one year are exceedingly rare and pose diagnostic challenges.

Case Presentation

We report an elderly patient (over 90 years old) with stage IVa squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and high microsatellite instability (MSI) who had been receiving pembrolizumab since 2023. In 2024—13 months into therapy—he presented with subjective fevers, weakness, and altered mental status. Laboratory evaluation revealed cholestatic jaundice with AST 310 U/L, ALT 291 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 860 U/L, and total bilirubin 5.7 mg/dL. Infectious workup was negative. Imaging via MRCP showed multiple scattered hepatic cysts and a small pancreatic cyst, without biliary obstruction.

Further evaluation, including serologies for hepatitis B and C, CMV, HSV, autoimmune hepatitis panel, iron studies, and ceruloplasmin, was unremarkable except for mildly elevated alpha-1 antitrypsin. Scattered liver cysts were seen on an MRI. The overall findings were most consistent with immune-related hepatitis, as pembrolizumab is known to cause both hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns of liver injury.

The patient was started on high-dose prednisone, resulting in rapid clinical and biochemical improvement. Two weeks post-discharge, liver function tests (LFTs) had markedly improved (bilirubin 1.3, AST 19, ALT 40, ALP 193). Given the severity of transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia (AST >8x ULN, bilirubin >3x ULN), pembrolizumab was permanently discontinued. LFTs normalized after completion of the steroid taper.

Conclusions

This case highlights a rare instance of delayed immune-related hepatitis occurring over a year after initiation of pembrolizumab, far beyond the typical window of onset. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for irAEs even in late stages of immunotherapy, particularly when common etiologies are excluded. Prompt recognition and corticosteroid treatment can lead to favorable outcomes, even in older patients.

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including pembrolizumab, are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including immune- mediated hepatitis. Typically, this toxicity manifests within the first 14 weeks of therapy. Delayed presentations beyond one year are exceedingly rare and pose diagnostic challenges.

Case Presentation

We report an elderly patient (over 90 years old) with stage IVa squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and high microsatellite instability (MSI) who had been receiving pembrolizumab since 2023. In 2024—13 months into therapy—he presented with subjective fevers, weakness, and altered mental status. Laboratory evaluation revealed cholestatic jaundice with AST 310 U/L, ALT 291 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 860 U/L, and total bilirubin 5.7 mg/dL. Infectious workup was negative. Imaging via MRCP showed multiple scattered hepatic cysts and a small pancreatic cyst, without biliary obstruction.

Further evaluation, including serologies for hepatitis B and C, CMV, HSV, autoimmune hepatitis panel, iron studies, and ceruloplasmin, was unremarkable except for mildly elevated alpha-1 antitrypsin. Scattered liver cysts were seen on an MRI. The overall findings were most consistent with immune-related hepatitis, as pembrolizumab is known to cause both hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns of liver injury.

The patient was started on high-dose prednisone, resulting in rapid clinical and biochemical improvement. Two weeks post-discharge, liver function tests (LFTs) had markedly improved (bilirubin 1.3, AST 19, ALT 40, ALP 193). Given the severity of transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia (AST >8x ULN, bilirubin >3x ULN), pembrolizumab was permanently discontinued. LFTs normalized after completion of the steroid taper.

Conclusions

This case highlights a rare instance of delayed immune-related hepatitis occurring over a year after initiation of pembrolizumab, far beyond the typical window of onset. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for irAEs even in late stages of immunotherapy, particularly when common etiologies are excluded. Prompt recognition and corticosteroid treatment can lead to favorable outcomes, even in older patients.

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including pembrolizumab, are associated with a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including immune- mediated hepatitis. Typically, this toxicity manifests within the first 14 weeks of therapy. Delayed presentations beyond one year are exceedingly rare and pose diagnostic challenges.

Case Presentation

We report an elderly patient (over 90 years old) with stage IVa squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and high microsatellite instability (MSI) who had been receiving pembrolizumab since 2023. In 2024—13 months into therapy—he presented with subjective fevers, weakness, and altered mental status. Laboratory evaluation revealed cholestatic jaundice with AST 310 U/L, ALT 291 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 860 U/L, and total bilirubin 5.7 mg/dL. Infectious workup was negative. Imaging via MRCP showed multiple scattered hepatic cysts and a small pancreatic cyst, without biliary obstruction.

Further evaluation, including serologies for hepatitis B and C, CMV, HSV, autoimmune hepatitis panel, iron studies, and ceruloplasmin, was unremarkable except for mildly elevated alpha-1 antitrypsin. Scattered liver cysts were seen on an MRI. The overall findings were most consistent with immune-related hepatitis, as pembrolizumab is known to cause both hepatocellular and cholestatic patterns of liver injury.

The patient was started on high-dose prednisone, resulting in rapid clinical and biochemical improvement. Two weeks post-discharge, liver function tests (LFTs) had markedly improved (bilirubin 1.3, AST 19, ALT 40, ALP 193). Given the severity of transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia (AST >8x ULN, bilirubin >3x ULN), pembrolizumab was permanently discontinued. LFTs normalized after completion of the steroid taper.

Conclusions

This case highlights a rare instance of delayed immune-related hepatitis occurring over a year after initiation of pembrolizumab, far beyond the typical window of onset. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for irAEs even in late stages of immunotherapy, particularly when common etiologies are excluded. Prompt recognition and corticosteroid treatment can lead to favorable outcomes, even in older patients.

Background

Immune related adverse events (irAE) are a well-known complication in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLCA) with checkpoint inhibitors and have been shown to improve overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) across multiple studies. However, studies have shown that the prognosis of NSCLCA differs depending on the type of immune related adverse event and the grade of the irAE. For instance, patients who experienced endocrine irAEs like thyroid, or adrenal insufficiency tended to have an improved OS and PFS, whereas patients who developed pneumonitis that required discontinuation of checkpoint inhibitors had worse OS and PFS. While the literature describes the prognostic impacts of irAEs on NSCLCA, there is still a dearth of information on the implications of HLA supertypes on the prognosis of NSCLCA following irAEs.

Case Presentation

To address this point and to ask a question, we would like to share the case of a patient with a 10-year history of inflammatory arthropathy related to HLA-B27 antigen prior to his diagnosis of T2bN2M1b adenosquamous lung cancer with liver metastases. The tumor was 100% PD-L1 expressive and the patient was treated with pembrolizumab. The patient developed central adrenal insufficiency 10 months after pembrolizumab was initiated which was treated with physiologic dosing of hydrocortisone. The patient later developed a grade 3 pneumonitis 62 months after initiation of pembrolizumab and was treated with systemic glucocorticoids. Due to recurrent hospitalizations for pneumonitis, pembrolizumab was discontinued at 70 months post initiation. At the time of discontinuation PET was positive. However, there was a decrease in hyperactivity of the primary tumor at 4 months post discontinuation of pembrolizumab and there have been serial negative PETS from 7 months to 13 months post discontinuation. This led us to ask the question of whether HLA-B27 is protective of the poor prognostic immune related pneumonitis in this patient?

Background

Immune related adverse events (irAE) are a well-known complication in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLCA) with checkpoint inhibitors and have been shown to improve overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) across multiple studies. However, studies have shown that the prognosis of NSCLCA differs depending on the type of immune related adverse event and the grade of the irAE. For instance, patients who experienced endocrine irAEs like thyroid, or adrenal insufficiency tended to have an improved OS and PFS, whereas patients who developed pneumonitis that required discontinuation of checkpoint inhibitors had worse OS and PFS. While the literature describes the prognostic impacts of irAEs on NSCLCA, there is still a dearth of information on the implications of HLA supertypes on the prognosis of NSCLCA following irAEs.

Case Presentation

To address this point and to ask a question, we would like to share the case of a patient with a 10-year history of inflammatory arthropathy related to HLA-B27 antigen prior to his diagnosis of T2bN2M1b adenosquamous lung cancer with liver metastases. The tumor was 100% PD-L1 expressive and the patient was treated with pembrolizumab. The patient developed central adrenal insufficiency 10 months after pembrolizumab was initiated which was treated with physiologic dosing of hydrocortisone. The patient later developed a grade 3 pneumonitis 62 months after initiation of pembrolizumab and was treated with systemic glucocorticoids. Due to recurrent hospitalizations for pneumonitis, pembrolizumab was discontinued at 70 months post initiation. At the time of discontinuation PET was positive. However, there was a decrease in hyperactivity of the primary tumor at 4 months post discontinuation of pembrolizumab and there have been serial negative PETS from 7 months to 13 months post discontinuation. This led us to ask the question of whether HLA-B27 is protective of the poor prognostic immune related pneumonitis in this patient?

Background

Immune related adverse events (irAE) are a well-known complication in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLCA) with checkpoint inhibitors and have been shown to improve overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) across multiple studies. However, studies have shown that the prognosis of NSCLCA differs depending on the type of immune related adverse event and the grade of the irAE. For instance, patients who experienced endocrine irAEs like thyroid, or adrenal insufficiency tended to have an improved OS and PFS, whereas patients who developed pneumonitis that required discontinuation of checkpoint inhibitors had worse OS and PFS. While the literature describes the prognostic impacts of irAEs on NSCLCA, there is still a dearth of information on the implications of HLA supertypes on the prognosis of NSCLCA following irAEs.

Case Presentation

To address this point and to ask a question, we would like to share the case of a patient with a 10-year history of inflammatory arthropathy related to HLA-B27 antigen prior to his diagnosis of T2bN2M1b adenosquamous lung cancer with liver metastases. The tumor was 100% PD-L1 expressive and the patient was treated with pembrolizumab. The patient developed central adrenal insufficiency 10 months after pembrolizumab was initiated which was treated with physiologic dosing of hydrocortisone. The patient later developed a grade 3 pneumonitis 62 months after initiation of pembrolizumab and was treated with systemic glucocorticoids. Due to recurrent hospitalizations for pneumonitis, pembrolizumab was discontinued at 70 months post initiation. At the time of discontinuation PET was positive. However, there was a decrease in hyperactivity of the primary tumor at 4 months post discontinuation of pembrolizumab and there have been serial negative PETS from 7 months to 13 months post discontinuation. This led us to ask the question of whether HLA-B27 is protective of the poor prognostic immune related pneumonitis in this patient?

Background

Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as presence of clonal b cell population that is fewer than 5 × 10(9)/L B-cells in peripheral blood and no other signs of a lymphoproliferative disorder. Patients with MBL are usually monitored with periodic history, physical exam and blood counts. Here we presented a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) in breast in a patient with a history of MBL.

Case Presentation

68-year-old male with history of MBL underwent mammogram for breast mass. It showed suspicious 4.4 x 1.6 cm solid and cystic lesion containing a 1.7 x 0.9 x 1.8 cm solid hypervascular mass. Patient underwent left breast mass excision. Histologic sections focus of ADH involving papilloma with uninvolved margins. Lymphoid infiltrates noted had CLL/SLL immunophenotype and that it consists mostly of small B cells positive for CD5, CD20, CD23, CD43, Bcl-2, LEF1. CT CAP and PET/CT were negative for lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow biopsy showed marrow involvement by mature B-cell lymphoproliferative process, immunophenotypically consistent with CLL/SLL. As intra-ductal papilloma completely excised and hemogram was normal tumor board recommended surveillance only for CLL/SLL.

Discussion

MBL can progress to CLL, but it can rarely be presented as an extra-nodal mass in solid organs. We described a case of MBL that progressed to CLL/ SLL in breast mass in a male patient. This is the first reported case in literature where MBL progressed to CLL/ SLL of breast without lymphadenopathy. Upon literature review 8 case reports were found where CLL/SLL were described in breast tissue. 7 of them were in females and 1 one was in male. Two patients had CLL before breast mass but none of them had a history of MBL. 3 described cases in females had CLL/SLL infiltration of breast along with invasive ductal carcinoma. So, a patient with MBL can progress to involve solid organs despite no absolute lymphocytosis and should be considered in differentials of a new mass. Although more common in females, but it can occur in males as well. It’s important to consider the possibility of both CLL/SLL and breast cancer existing simultaneously.

Background

Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as presence of clonal b cell population that is fewer than 5 × 10(9)/L B-cells in peripheral blood and no other signs of a lymphoproliferative disorder. Patients with MBL are usually monitored with periodic history, physical exam and blood counts. Here we presented a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) in breast in a patient with a history of MBL.

Case Presentation

68-year-old male with history of MBL underwent mammogram for breast mass. It showed suspicious 4.4 x 1.6 cm solid and cystic lesion containing a 1.7 x 0.9 x 1.8 cm solid hypervascular mass. Patient underwent left breast mass excision. Histologic sections focus of ADH involving papilloma with uninvolved margins. Lymphoid infiltrates noted had CLL/SLL immunophenotype and that it consists mostly of small B cells positive for CD5, CD20, CD23, CD43, Bcl-2, LEF1. CT CAP and PET/CT were negative for lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow biopsy showed marrow involvement by mature B-cell lymphoproliferative process, immunophenotypically consistent with CLL/SLL. As intra-ductal papilloma completely excised and hemogram was normal tumor board recommended surveillance only for CLL/SLL.

Discussion

MBL can progress to CLL, but it can rarely be presented as an extra-nodal mass in solid organs. We described a case of MBL that progressed to CLL/ SLL in breast mass in a male patient. This is the first reported case in literature where MBL progressed to CLL/ SLL of breast without lymphadenopathy. Upon literature review 8 case reports were found where CLL/SLL were described in breast tissue. 7 of them were in females and 1 one was in male. Two patients had CLL before breast mass but none of them had a history of MBL. 3 described cases in females had CLL/SLL infiltration of breast along with invasive ductal carcinoma. So, a patient with MBL can progress to involve solid organs despite no absolute lymphocytosis and should be considered in differentials of a new mass. Although more common in females, but it can occur in males as well. It’s important to consider the possibility of both CLL/SLL and breast cancer existing simultaneously.

Background

Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as presence of clonal b cell population that is fewer than 5 × 10(9)/L B-cells in peripheral blood and no other signs of a lymphoproliferative disorder. Patients with MBL are usually monitored with periodic history, physical exam and blood counts. Here we presented a case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) in breast in a patient with a history of MBL.

Case Presentation

68-year-old male with history of MBL underwent mammogram for breast mass. It showed suspicious 4.4 x 1.6 cm solid and cystic lesion containing a 1.7 x 0.9 x 1.8 cm solid hypervascular mass. Patient underwent left breast mass excision. Histologic sections focus of ADH involving papilloma with uninvolved margins. Lymphoid infiltrates noted had CLL/SLL immunophenotype and that it consists mostly of small B cells positive for CD5, CD20, CD23, CD43, Bcl-2, LEF1. CT CAP and PET/CT were negative for lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow biopsy showed marrow involvement by mature B-cell lymphoproliferative process, immunophenotypically consistent with CLL/SLL. As intra-ductal papilloma completely excised and hemogram was normal tumor board recommended surveillance only for CLL/SLL.

Discussion

MBL can progress to CLL, but it can rarely be presented as an extra-nodal mass in solid organs. We described a case of MBL that progressed to CLL/ SLL in breast mass in a male patient. This is the first reported case in literature where MBL progressed to CLL/ SLL of breast without lymphadenopathy. Upon literature review 8 case reports were found where CLL/SLL were described in breast tissue. 7 of them were in females and 1 one was in male. Two patients had CLL before breast mass but none of them had a history of MBL. 3 described cases in females had CLL/SLL infiltration of breast along with invasive ductal carcinoma. So, a patient with MBL can progress to involve solid organs despite no absolute lymphocytosis and should be considered in differentials of a new mass. Although more common in females, but it can occur in males as well. It’s important to consider the possibility of both CLL/SLL and breast cancer existing simultaneously.

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer typically manifests with metastases to the lungs, bones, and adrenal glands. Here, we report a unique case where the initial presentation involved pleural nodules, subsequently leading to the discovery of pleural and pericardial metastases. 

Case Presentation

Our patient, a 73-year-old male with a history of active tobacco use disorder, COPD, and right shoulder melanoma (2004), initially presented to his primary care physician for a routine visit. Following a Low Dose Chest CT scan (LDCT), numerous new pleural nodules were identified. Physical examination revealed small nevi and skin tags, but no malignant characteristics. Initial concerns centered on the potential recurrence of malignant melanoma with pleural metastases or an inflammatory condition. Subsequent PET scan results raised significant suspicion of malignancy. PSA was 2.41. Pleuroscopy biopsies revealed invasive nonsmall cell carcinoma, positive for NKX31 and MOC31, but negative for S100, PSA, and synaptophysin. This pattern strongly suggests metastatic prostate cancer despite the absence of PSA staining. (Stage IV B: cTxcN1cM1c). A subsequent PSMA PET highlighted extensive metastatic involvement in the pericardium, posterior and mediastinal pleura, mediastinum, and ribs. Treatment commenced with Degarelix followed by the standard regimen of Docetaxel, Abiraterone, and prednisone. Genetic counseling and palliative care services were additionally recommended.

Discussion

Prostate cancer typically spreads to bones, lungs, liver, and adrenal glands. Rarely, it appears in sites like pericardium and pleura. Pleural metastases are usually found postmortem; clinical diagnosis is rare. Pericardial metastases are exceptionally uncommon, with few documented cases. The precise mechanism of metastatic dissemination remains uncertain, with theories suggesting spread through the vertebral-venous plexus or via the vena cava to distant organs. Treatment approaches vary based on symptomatic effusions, ranging from pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Studies have shown systemic docetaxel to be effective in managing pleural and pericardial symptoms. Despite their rarity, healthcare providers should consider these possibilities when encountering pleural thickening or pericardial abnormalities on imaging studies.

Conclusions

Pleural and pericardial metastases represent uncommon occurrences in prostate cancer. Continued research efforts can facilitate early detection of metastatic disease, enabling more effective and precisely targeted management strategies when symptoms manifest.

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer typically manifests with metastases to the lungs, bones, and adrenal glands. Here, we report a unique case where the initial presentation involved pleural nodules, subsequently leading to the discovery of pleural and pericardial metastases. 

Case Presentation

Our patient, a 73-year-old male with a history of active tobacco use disorder, COPD, and right shoulder melanoma (2004), initially presented to his primary care physician for a routine visit. Following a Low Dose Chest CT scan (LDCT), numerous new pleural nodules were identified. Physical examination revealed small nevi and skin tags, but no malignant characteristics. Initial concerns centered on the potential recurrence of malignant melanoma with pleural metastases or an inflammatory condition. Subsequent PET scan results raised significant suspicion of malignancy. PSA was 2.41. Pleuroscopy biopsies revealed invasive nonsmall cell carcinoma, positive for NKX31 and MOC31, but negative for S100, PSA, and synaptophysin. This pattern strongly suggests metastatic prostate cancer despite the absence of PSA staining. (Stage IV B: cTxcN1cM1c). A subsequent PSMA PET highlighted extensive metastatic involvement in the pericardium, posterior and mediastinal pleura, mediastinum, and ribs. Treatment commenced with Degarelix followed by the standard regimen of Docetaxel, Abiraterone, and prednisone. Genetic counseling and palliative care services were additionally recommended.

Discussion

Prostate cancer typically spreads to bones, lungs, liver, and adrenal glands. Rarely, it appears in sites like pericardium and pleura. Pleural metastases are usually found postmortem; clinical diagnosis is rare. Pericardial metastases are exceptionally uncommon, with few documented cases. The precise mechanism of metastatic dissemination remains uncertain, with theories suggesting spread through the vertebral-venous plexus or via the vena cava to distant organs. Treatment approaches vary based on symptomatic effusions, ranging from pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Studies have shown systemic docetaxel to be effective in managing pleural and pericardial symptoms. Despite their rarity, healthcare providers should consider these possibilities when encountering pleural thickening or pericardial abnormalities on imaging studies.

Conclusions

Pleural and pericardial metastases represent uncommon occurrences in prostate cancer. Continued research efforts can facilitate early detection of metastatic disease, enabling more effective and precisely targeted management strategies when symptoms manifest.

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer typically manifests with metastases to the lungs, bones, and adrenal glands. Here, we report a unique case where the initial presentation involved pleural nodules, subsequently leading to the discovery of pleural and pericardial metastases. 

Case Presentation

Our patient, a 73-year-old male with a history of active tobacco use disorder, COPD, and right shoulder melanoma (2004), initially presented to his primary care physician for a routine visit. Following a Low Dose Chest CT scan (LDCT), numerous new pleural nodules were identified. Physical examination revealed small nevi and skin tags, but no malignant characteristics. Initial concerns centered on the potential recurrence of malignant melanoma with pleural metastases or an inflammatory condition. Subsequent PET scan results raised significant suspicion of malignancy. PSA was 2.41. Pleuroscopy biopsies revealed invasive nonsmall cell carcinoma, positive for NKX31 and MOC31, but negative for S100, PSA, and synaptophysin. This pattern strongly suggests metastatic prostate cancer despite the absence of PSA staining. (Stage IV B: cTxcN1cM1c). A subsequent PSMA PET highlighted extensive metastatic involvement in the pericardium, posterior and mediastinal pleura, mediastinum, and ribs. Treatment commenced with Degarelix followed by the standard regimen of Docetaxel, Abiraterone, and prednisone. Genetic counseling and palliative care services were additionally recommended.

Discussion

Prostate cancer typically spreads to bones, lungs, liver, and adrenal glands. Rarely, it appears in sites like pericardium and pleura. Pleural metastases are usually found postmortem; clinical diagnosis is rare. Pericardial metastases are exceptionally uncommon, with few documented cases. The precise mechanism of metastatic dissemination remains uncertain, with theories suggesting spread through the vertebral-venous plexus or via the vena cava to distant organs. Treatment approaches vary based on symptomatic effusions, ranging from pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Studies have shown systemic docetaxel to be effective in managing pleural and pericardial symptoms. Despite their rarity, healthcare providers should consider these possibilities when encountering pleural thickening or pericardial abnormalities on imaging studies.

Conclusions

Pleural and pericardial metastases represent uncommon occurrences in prostate cancer. Continued research efforts can facilitate early detection of metastatic disease, enabling more effective and precisely targeted management strategies when symptoms manifest.