Advanced NSCLC with leptomeningeal metastasis: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges: A case report

Lung cancer, particularly non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and is associated with high mortality in advanced stages. Lung adenocarcinoma is the most frequent NSCLC subtype. Among these common metastatic sites, brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases have a particularly debilitating impact on patients' survival and quality of life. We describe the clinical course of a 43-year-old man with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who developed crizotinib-induced pancreatitis and leptomeningeal metastases, both are rare. Imaging of the brain was done due to the development of neurological symptoms and demonstrated metastatic leptomeningeal enhancement. The patient's condition continued to worsen and resulted in sudden cardiac arrest. This case demonstrates a rare complication of NSCLC-leptomeningeal metastasis-and the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in managing advanced NSCLC.