Investigation of Pulmonary Saddle Embolism Caused by Metastasis-Induced Hypercoagulability Originating From...

An adult male cadaver, approximately 60 years of age, was dissected as part of an eight-week didactic course. It was found that the subject had evidence of pancreatic cancer with signs of metastasis as well as significant bilateral pulmonary artery clotting. In particular, a saddle embolism was observed, and the cause of death was listed as sudden pulmonary failure. Malignant tumors are often accompanied by hypercoagulable states and increased risk of thromboembolism. Because the clots showed lines of Zahn on histology, we can infer that this hypercoagulable state preceded death and may have been related to the presence of pancreatic carcinoma. There are few recorded cases of pulmonary saddle embolism being the fatal event in cases of underlying pancreatic cancer. The extensive clotting observed in the inferior vena cava and pulmonary arteries demonstrates to clinicians that patients, especially those with pancreatic cancer, are at higher risk for thromboembolic events. This case report also serves as a reminder that instances of pulmonary failure or sudden death because of pulmonary saddle embolism may be caused by underlying visceral neoplasms, such as pancreatic cancer.