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07:44
A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
536
Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma Mimics Recurrent Pulmonary Artery Embolism
Styliani Ioakeimidou1,2, Frank-Peter Stephan3, Emanuel Pluess1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Buergerspital Solothurn, Solothum, Switzerland.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|July 10, 2025
Summary
Unexplained recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) may indicate a rare tumor. Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS) can mimic PE, highlighting the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in persistent cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common cardiovascular diseases.
- Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS) is a rare tumor often misdiagnosed as PE.
- Recurrent PE necessitates investigation for underlying causes beyond typical thrombotic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS) misdiagnosed as recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE).
- To emphasize the importance of considering tumors in unexplained recurrent PE.
- To highlight diagnostic modalities for PAIS.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 50-year-old male patient with symptoms suggestive of PE.
- Diagnostic workup included laboratory tests, transthoracic echocardiography, CT scan, and PET-CT scan.
- Histopathological confirmation of PAIS.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with fever, dyspnea, cough, and thoracic pain, with a history of two PE episodes.
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory parameters led to the diagnosis of PAIS.
- Surgical resection was identified as the primary treatment.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent pulmonary embolism should prompt suspicion for underlying tumors, including PAIS.
- Advanced imaging and histopathology are critical for accurate PAIS diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention is the mainstay of PAIS treatment.
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