To present a rare case of small intestinal metastasis from triple-negative breast cancer and discuss its imaging characteristics and diagnostic challenges.
Approach:
Case Presentation: A 70-year-old female with a history of bilateral breast cancer presented with unexplained anemia, dizziness, and positive fecal occult blood tests.
Imaging and Diagnosis: Contrast-enhanced CT revealed segmental wall thickening of the small bowel, initially raising suspicion for lymphoma. Double-balloon enteroscopy identified a large ulcerative lesion, leading to biopsy and histopathological evaluation.
Key Findings:
The patient had a history of invasive ductal carcinoma of triple-negative phenotype.
Initial presentation with anemia was atypical for small bowel metastasis from breast cancer.
Histopathological evaluation confirmed small intestinal metastasis from breast cancer.
Interpretation:
Clinicians should consider small bowel metastasis in breast cancer survivors presenting with unexplained anemia and positive fecal occult blood tests.
Limitations:
The case highlights the rarity of small intestinal metastasis from breast cancer, which can lead to diagnostic delays.
The initial imaging findings may be misleading, resembling lymphoma.
Conclusion:
A multidisciplinary approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and to minimize delays in treatment.
