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Thymoma with acute gastric volvulus: a case report
Ailing Liu1, Xin Gao2, Lin Zhao3
1Department of Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
BMC Cancer
|December 1, 2017
Summary
This case report details the first instance of thymoma presenting with acute gastric volvulus (GV). The study suggests a link between thymoma and GV, possibly due to phrenic nerve palsy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Acute gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare condition with a high mortality rate, often linked to anatomical abnormalities.
- Thymoma, the most common anterior mediastinal neoplasm, has not been previously associated with GV.
- This report presents the first known case of thymoma initially manifesting as acute GV.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with postprandial abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed acute gastric volvulus, and a biopsy revealed type B3 thymoma.
- The patient underwent endoscopic de-rotation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for the thymoma.
Findings:
- Gastric volvulus was inferred to be secondary to the thymoma, potentially due to phrenic nerve palsy.
- Despite treatment, the patient experienced recurrent, albeit less severe, episodes of GV.
- This case establishes a novel association between thymoma and acute gastric volvulus.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering thymoma in patients presenting with acute gastric volvulus.
- The findings suggest a potential pathological mechanism involving phrenic nerve palsy in thymoma-associated GV.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between thymoma and gastric volvulus.
