Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Coronary Embolization Caused by Pleomorphic Lung Carcinoma
Tadashi Murai1, Taishi Yonetsu, Mitsuaki Isobe
1Department of Cardiology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital, Japan.
Insights
A rare case of heart attack (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) was caused by lung cancer spreading through the pulmonary vein. Doctors removed a tumor embolus during treatment, successfully restoring blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition usually caused by coronary artery thrombosis.
- Pulmonary vein invasion by tumors is uncommon and can lead to complex cardiovascular presentations.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with acute chest pain diagnosed as STEMI.
- Intracoronary aspiration retrieved a worm-like object, and revascularization was successful.
- Imaging revealed a large right upper lobe pulmonary mass with direct pulmonary vein invasion.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed the aspirated object was pleomorphic lung carcinoma.
- The STEMI was attributed to tumor embolization from the lung mass into the left coronary artery via the pulmonary vein.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual mechanism of myocardial infarction secondary to malignant tumor embolization.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies in STEMI, especially with concurrent pulmonary findings.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing such complex oncological and cardiovascular emergencies.
Abstract:
A 73-year-old man who had been transferred to our emergency room due to sudden chest pain was diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention was performed. A long, white object which looked like a parasitic worm was retrieved via intracoronary aspiration and revascularization was successfully completed. Contrast computed tomography revealed a huge 7×6 cm mass in the right upper pulmonary lobe with direct pulmonary vein invasion. Histopathologic examination of the aspirated coronary object revealed pleomorphic lung carcinoma. This is an unusual case of STEMI caused by lung tumor embolization via direct pulmonary vein invasion to the left side of the heart.
More Related Videos
04:04Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
08:02Establishment of a Minimally Invasive Rat Model of Pulmonary Embolism Using Autologous Blood Clots
Published on: October 25, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...