Unresolved pulmonary embolism leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary artery sarcoma

Alejandra Gutiérrez, Maor Sauler, James M. Mitchell, Mark D. Siegel, Terence K. Trow, Matthew Bacchetta, Wassim H. Fares

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pulmonary artery sarcomas (PAS) are rare tumors with a poor prognosis. They are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism (PE) leading to futile anticoagulation treatment and delay in proper diagnosis. We present a case of a patient who was initially misdiagnosed and anticoagulated for presumed pulmonary embolism. Progressive symptoms and additional imaging led to the diagnosis of intimal pulmonary artery sarcoma for which he underwent surgical resection. This case serves as a reminder to consider pulmonary artery sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of patients with dyspnea and filling defects on CT pulmonary angiogram offering the potential for resection prior to metastasis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)574-576
Number of pages3
JournalHeart and Lung: Journal of Acute and Critical Care
Volume43
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Diagnosis
  • Differential
  • Neoplasm
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Radiography
  • Sarcoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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