Massive hemoptysis due to primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung in a 12-year-old

Abstract

A 12-year-old African male patient presented with a history of progressive weight loss of several months duration and a complaint of persistent hemoptysis. Radiological examination (chest X-ray and computerized tomographic scan) confirmed the presence of a mass in the lower lobe of the right lung. Following hospitalization, the hemoptysis intensified and the patient was anesthetized for endobronchial examination and biopsy in order to establish the nature and extent of the pulmonary mass. Shortly after intubation, severe rapid intraparenchymal hemorrhage of the right lung occurred which led to sudden cardiac arrest. The patient was successfully resuscitated and was then admitted to the intensive care unit whilst still intubated. The endobronchosopic examination and biopsy procedure were abandoned and the right lung mass remained undiagnosed. A brain CT-scan performed shortly thereafter confirmed that hypoxic damage was present. The patient showed no improvement and finally succumbed one month later.