ABSTRACT
Herein, the authors describe a case of symptomatic, enzymatically positive pancreatitis secondary to inferior vena cava (IVC) penetration by an IVC filter. Computed tomography revealed evidence of a filter strut in the head of the pancreas. Although caval penetration has been shown to be a complication associated with the use of IVC filters, to the authors' knowledge symptomatic pancreatitis is a rare manifestation of filter penetration.
Subject(s)
Pancreatitis/diagnosis , Pancreatitis/etiology , Vena Cava Filters/adverse effects , Adult , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , HumansABSTRACT
Thymic hyperplasia occurs in a small proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy for various malignancies. It likely results from an immunologic rebound phenomenon. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography is an important tool for staging malignant neoplasms. We report a case of rebound thymic hyperplasia manifesting as a hypermetabolic mass on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography after pneumonectomy and chemotherapy for primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma. We highlight the importance of recognizing the phenomenon of rebound thymic hyperplasia, as it can mimic residual or recurrent malignancy, especially in the setting of altered chest anatomy.
