Primary and secondary pulmonary artery neoplasia mimicking acute pulmonary embolism

Two cases of rare pulmonary neoplastic lesions (primary pulmonary artery sarcoma and pulmonary carcinosarcoma) directly involving the pulmonary artery and presenting with findings mimicking acute pulmonary embolism are discussed. Although this represents an unusual presentation for these two lesions, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in patients presenting with somewhat atypical clinical, isotopic, and radiological features. Serial lung scans followed by angiography will prove useful in arriving at the correct diagnosis.