ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical, radiological and pathological features of pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis (PLC) from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma.MethodsThe data of 3 cases of PLC from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma were analyzed and relevant literature was reviewed. The electronic databases of Wanfang, VIP, CNKI and PubMed were searched by using the keywords " pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis” and " gastric signet ring cell carcinoma”.ResultsThe average age of three patients was 34 years (ranging from 20 to 50 years). There were 2 males and 1 female. The three patients presented with non-specific respiratory complaints of cough and shortness of breath. Thickening of interlobular septa was the major radiographical abnormality. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen in 1 patient. Bilateral pleural effusion was seen in 2 patients. However, gastroscopy revealed metastatic gastric signet ring cell carcinoma with the presence of lymphagitic carcinomatosis. One patient survived more than seven months with systemic chemotherapy began on day 7 of hospitalization based on the follow-up information available. Literature review found 2 cases of PLC from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. Two cases were female aged 45 and 59 years. The chief complaints were dry cough and shortness of breath. The survival time was less than 1 month from diagnosis.ConclusionsPLC from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma is easily misdiagnosed as primary pulmonary diseases. Early identification, diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve the survival of PLC patients.
