Iodine 131 Uptake by Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

A UNIQUE case illustrating uptake of radioactive iodine 131 by a primary adenocarcinoma of the lung shows the need for caution before interpreting all such scan results as indicative of the presence of thyroid tissue. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 54-year-old man was admitted to the hospital on Feb 1, 1972, with a four-month history of chest pain, cough, hemoptysis, weight loss (11.25 kg), and anorexia. A chest roentgenogram showed a superior mediastinal mass (Fig 1). From August 1963 until the present admission, the patient had required hospitalization for a multitude of problems including rheumatic heart disease manifested by mitral insufficiency, complicated by congestive heart failure and acute endocarditis; hypertension; renal disease manifested by recurrent urinary tract infections and nephrocalcinosis; and hemorrhagic gastritis requiring surgical intervention. <h3>Hospital Course.—</h3> On Feb 8, 1972, a mediastinoscopy was performed, and a biopsy specimen of the superior mediastinal mass indicated a papillary adenocarcinoma. For