Diffuse pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia involving the chest wall.

Abstract

Diffuse pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is characterized by a diffuse hypertrophy of neuroendocrine cells along the distal bronchioles. This condition is characterized by obstructive lung physiology and the development of small carcinoid tumors. We present a case of DIPNECH in a patient undergoing surgery for a primary lung adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, the chest wall also demonstrated involvement of DIPNECH indicated by the presence of small carcinoid tumors. The absence of any lung carcinoid tumor greater than 5 mm and the absence of lymph node metastases render the chest wall involvement unlikely to represent metastatic disease.