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Pulmonary artery sarcoma masquerading as refractory pulmonary embolism: A case report
Xinyue Yang1, Jianfang Luo1, Jiaohua Chen1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
Science Progress
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare cancer that mimics pulmonary embolism (PE). Early diagnosis with advanced imaging is crucial for patients with persistent PE-like symptoms unresponsive to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy.
- PAS often presents with symptoms similar to pulmonary embolism (PE), leading to misdiagnosis.
- High pulmonary arterial pressures and right heart strain are key indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism (PE).
- To emphasize the importance of considering rare etiologies in patients with refractory PE-like symptoms.
- To highlight the role of advanced imaging in diagnosing PAS.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a female in her early 40s with progressive dyspnea and hemoptysis.
- Utilized cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) for diagnosis.
- Assessed response to anticoagulation therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with severe symptoms including dyspnea, hemoptysis, and significantly elevated pulmonary arterial pressures (112 mmHg).
- Symptoms were unresponsive to standard anticoagulation therapy for presumed PE.
- Advanced imaging confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS).
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) should be considered in patients with symptoms mimicking PE, especially when unresponsive to anticoagulation.
- Advanced imaging techniques are vital for accurate and timely diagnosis of PAS.
- Early detection of PAS can potentially improve patient outcomes.
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