Choriocarcinoma syndrome of primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma after lung lobe resection: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC) is extremely rare, especially in males. It is characterized by a poor response to therapy and shortened survival times. Here, we report a PPC case that was complicated by choriocarcinoma syndrome (CS) and present a review of the literature. Case presentation: A 59-year-old man with a 30-pack-year smoking history was referred to our hospital because of haemoptysis and chest pain. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules and multiple metastases throughout the body. The patient underwent single-port thoracoscopic wedge resection of the right lung upper lobe. Histological examinations verified the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma. Three days after the operation, the patient developed massive haemoptysis. A bronchoscopic examination showed bleeding from the bilateral main bronchus. Despite management in the intensive care unit (ICU), the patient died two weeks after surgery. Conclusions For advanced choriocarcinoma cases, minimally invasive or even non-invasive procedures are more suitable to avoid inducing CS. When patients with a high tumour mass and elevated tumour markers, we need to be alert to the occurrence of CS. Surgery and modified chemotherapy, based on the physical condition of the patient, may currently be the best therapy for PPC.