Pulmonary carcinoid tumor presenting with simultaneous orbital and intracranial metastases: value of transnasal endoscopic orbital biopsy and decompression

Author: Wein Francine B.   Perry Julian D.   Miller Neil R.   Brinker David A.   Leopold Donald A.  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 0167-6830

Source: Orbit, Vol.18, Iss.4, 1999-12, pp. : 267-272

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Abstract

A 62-year-old woman presented with a 10-week history of blurred vision in the left eye. Examination revealed mild limitation of upgaze of the left eye and evidence of a left optic neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing mass in the posteromedial left orbit as well as an enhancing lesion in the inferior occipital lobe. The patient underwent a left orbital biopsy and partial decompression via a left nasal endoscopic approach, following which the optic neuropathy improved significantly. Histopathologic examination yielded a diagnosis of carcinoid tumor. Biopsy of the occipital lesion was also consistent with this diagnosis. The primary tumor was found in the lungs.