Pancoast syndrome due to pulmonary metastasis of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver malignancy, and sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare malignancy containing both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components.

CASE REPORT: We report a 64-year-old male patient treated with open right trisectionectomy for a 16cm right hemiliver tumour. The diagnosis of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed on histology. Five months after hepatic resection, patient had symptoms suggestive of Horner's syndrome along with left sided shoulder pain, hand weakness, reduced power of the intrinsic hand muscles and reduced pain perception over the C8/T1 dermatome. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a mass at the left lung apex/superior sulcus involving the left C8, T1 nerve roots, scalene muscles, and brachial plexus. The mass closely abutted the left first rib and partially encased the left subclavian artery. The patient was managed with palliative chemoradiotherapy for Pancoast syndrome.

DISCUSSION: Hepatocellular carcinoma pulmonary metastasis causing Pancoast syndrome is a rare occurrence with only four prior reports, and to the best of our knowledge, pulmonary metastasis from sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma causing Pancoast syndrome is unreported. In this report, we will discuss the clinicopathological characteristics of this case which may provide insight into diagnosis and management of other sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma patients.