A case report of recurrent Merkel cell carcinoma with synchronous metastases to the heart and stomach

We described the case of an 82-year-old man diagnosed with recurrent MCC with cardiac and gastric metastasis who presented with poor oral intake and severe weight loss. The patient was diagnosed with MCC 3 years ago and treated with surgical resection and radiation. Interventions: We performed stomach biopsy in edematous lesion. And fluoroscopy and ultrasound guided biopsy of the cardiac mass was performed. Diagnoses: MCC with synchronous metastases to the heart and stomach. Outcomes: The primary lesion had complete resolution and the patient remained disease free on regular follow-up every 6 months for 2 and half years. After MCC recurred, palliative anti-cancer therapy was considered but could not be performed due to the patient's poor performance status involved elderly, combined recurrent pneumonia. Lessons: To our best knowledge, this is the first report of synchronous cardiac and gastric metastasis from cutaneous MCC worldwide. Although uncommon, MCC should be considered in clinical cases of synchronous metastasis.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Clinical Case Report Source Type: research