Neuroembolization of metastatic Merkel cell cancer to the face for treatment of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jan 17:2013:bcr2012010556. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-010556.

Abstract

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is defined as a consumptive thrombocytopenia in the presence of a highly vascular tumor. Multiple treatment options, including transarterial embolization, have been described. We demonstrate that transarterial embolization is a viable option in the treatment of a rapidly progressive and debilitating Merkel cell tumor metastasizing to the head and neck presenting with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiography
  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Facial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Facial Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Facial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed