An advanced-stage large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma with intramedullary spinal metastases detected by positron emission tomography

Abstract

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare form of lung cancer with an aggressive behavior that frequently metastasizes to liver, brain, and bone. Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) is a rare clinical presentation of solid cancer and always indicates a dismal prognosis. This article presents a 72-year-old male patient diagnosed with an advanced-stage LCNEC who initially presented with ISCM that was diagnosed by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). This case demonstrates the diagnostic performance of PET-CT for ISCM. PET may be an alternative diagnostic modality for patients intolerant or unable to receive magnetic resonance imaging study to detect ISCM in those with LCNEC.