Introduction: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor originating from the pleura. SFT is sometimes linked to hypoglycaemia due to the production of Insulin-like growth factor 2 by the tumor. This is known as the Doege-Potter syndrome.
Materials and methods: Presented is a case of a 39-year-old male first admitted to endocrinology for clarification of hypoglycaemia who was later transferred to thoracic surgery due to the finding of a large mass and pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity. Shortness of breath and a persisting cough were also present complaints. The patient underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan and was diagnosed with a large tumor taking up ¾ of the chest cavity along with a massive hemorrhagic right pleural effusion. The SFT exerted pressure on the structures of the mediastinum: heart and large blood vessels; all of which were shifted left. A CT assisted Tru-Cut biopsy was performed to determine the histology of the mass. It was concluded that the tumor was a benign SFT. Benign SFTs, in comparison to malignant SFTs, make up about 78% to 88% of all diagnosed SFTs. A Positron-emission tomography scan performed on the whole body came back negative for pathological cell activity. It was also determined that the right lung was shifted cranially by the formation but limited-in-size ventilated parenchyma remained.
Results: To remove the tumor an embolization of the nutritive vessels and an en bloc resection of the tumor, pericardium and right lung was performed. The patient`s postoperative course was uneventful and his hypoglycaemic symptoms resolved just after the operation.
Conclusions: SFTs are uncommon findings in pulmonary pathology, especially these associated with paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of their treatment leading to immediate improvement of the symptoms and usually without recurrence.
