Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025

Minimal Invasive Resection of Large Retrosternal Thyroid Goiter
Published on: September 20, 2024
A rare case of thymic carcinoid presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and pericardium effusion
Qun-Yan Xiang1,2,3,4, Jin Xu1,2,3,4, Ling Liu5,6,7,8
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Thymic carcinoid is one of an extremely rare type of malignant neuroendocrine tumor with a poor prognosis. Invasion of thymic carcinoid to other organs could lead to devastating consequences. It has been reported that thymic carcinoid mainly invaded to the pleura, lungs, liver, pancreas and bone, while rarely to the cardiac, especially to the ventricle.
Case Presentation:
A 53-year-old man presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and persistent pericardial effusion. Multiple imaging tools, including chest computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed a malignant neoplasm arising from the thymus invading into the biventricular myocardium, pericardium, and left superior pulmonary veins. The tumor was finally diagnosed as a thymic carcinoid through pathological examination.
Conclusion:
This is a rare case of thymic carcinoid invading the ventricular myocardium, which presented as subacute heart failure. The observations in this case would be useful for differential diagnosis of primary heart disease and invasion of heart due to thymic carcinoid.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
