Multiple pulmonary emboli as a result of renal cell carcinoma: A case report

Pulmonary embolism is the most prevalent and potentially fatal complication of deep vein thrombosis. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is occasionally associated with pulmonary embolism, occurring as a result of secondary hypercoagulable states or cancer-associated emboli. The current study describes the case of a 43-year-old male that experienced 'squeezing' pain in the chest, considered to mimic acute coronary syndrome. Following a number of diagnostic examinations, the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, which led to the detection of RCC. The patient did not experience any symptoms until the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, therefore the asymptomatic tumor was considered as one of the possible causes. Abdominal ultrasonography examination is highly recommended for screening in all patients, particularly those that exhibit uncharacteristic symptoms, to improve the detection and diagnosis of RCC and associated pulmonary emboli.