Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting with mediastinal eggshell calcification

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• A case study of an 81-year-old South Asian male with a history of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
• The patient presented with constitutional symptoms including night sweats and significant weight loss.

Observation:

• Initial chest radiography revealed an ill-defined right paratracheal mass.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated characteristic eggshell calcification in enlarged paratracheal lymph nodes.

Findings:

• Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was performed on a paratracheal lymph node.
• Cytological analysis confirmed the presence of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease in patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma presenting with unusual radiological findings.
• The characteristic eggshell calcification in lymph nodes, though uncommon, can be a sign of metastatic spread.
• Accurate diagnosis through minimally invasive procedures like EBUS-TBNA is crucial for appropriate patient management.