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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Induction of Right Ventricular Failure by Pulmonary Artery Constriction and Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Mice
Published on: May 13, 2019
Right Ventricular Failure From Malignant Pulmonary Artery Compression
Cesar Rodrigo Arce-Sandoval1, Adolfo Calderon-Fernández1, Francisco Baltazar-Jimenez1
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico.
Case Summary:
A 31-year-old woman presented with progressive dyspnea, orthopnea, cough, fatigue, and marked weight loss. Multimodality imaging demonstrated metastatic pancreatic malignancy with malignant pericardial effusion, a contrast-enhancing left ventricular apical mass, and right ventricular pressure overload. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed extrinsic compression of the right pulmonary artery by mediastinal lymphadenopathy, causing functional supravalvular stenosis. She developed tamponade physiology, obstructive shock, and renal dysfunction; palliative discharge was agreed on after discussion.
Discussion:
Malignant pulmonary artery compression is a rare mimic of pulmonary embolism and may present with unexplained right ventricular failure in patients with advanced cancer.
Take-Home Message:
In patients with cancer with unexplained right ventricular failure, malignant pulmonary artery compression should be considered. Multimodality imaging distinguishes this entity from pulmonary embolism or pulmonary hypertension.
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