Successful perioperative management of a primary pulmonary arterial angiosarcoma: case report

Primary pleomorphic pulmonary angiosarcomas are extremely rare tumors which could be easily mistaken for pulmonary emboli.

We describe the successful perioperative management of a patient with a pulmonary arterial mass which turned out to be a primary pulmonary angiosarcoma. The severe pulmonary hypertension was a particular challenge compounded with the site and adhesions of the tumor, and pulmonary hemorrhage. The procedure was successfully performed with strict hemodynamic control ensuring stable systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures using perioperative transesophageal echocardiography to continuously monitor cardiac function, along with other standard cardiac surgical monitors including depth of anesthesia monitoring.

Tight hemodynamic control, ensuring stable pulmonary arterial pressures using perioperative echocardiography, and thorough preparation with measures to reduce and prevent increase in pulmonary arterial pressure along with close communication within the multi-disciplinary team are essential for successful management of patients with this pathology.