An autopsy case of rapid progressive atypical carcinoid of the lung discovered with multiple nodular shadows

We report an autopsy case of rapid progressive atypical carcinoid of the lung discovered as multiple nodular shadows. The patient was an 82-year-old man with nonproductive cough. Both chest radiography and computed tomography revealed multiple nodules in both the lung and pleural effusion. Multiple metastases to bone and liver were also noted. Samples from the wall-side pleural lesion were obtained by videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery under local anesthesia, and histological examination led to a diagnosis of atypical carcinoid. Treatment was ineffective and the patient died on day 39 after admission. The primary site was identified as the lung after autopsy. We believe that early detection is crucial in the treatment of atypical carcinoid due to poor prognosis.