Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
09:40
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.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Malignant pulmonary artery compression, a rare cancer complication, can mimic pulmonary embolism. Advanced imaging is crucial for diagnosing this condition causing right ventricular failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Metastatic pancreatic malignancy can present with complex cardiopulmonary complications.
- Unexplained right ventricular failure in advanced cancer warrants investigation for rare causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight malignant pulmonary artery compression as a rare differential diagnosis.
- To emphasize the role of multimodality imaging in distinguishing this condition.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 31-year-old woman with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- Utilized multimodality imaging including contrast-enhanced computed tomography.
- Assessed for pericardial effusion, ventricular masses, and pulmonary artery compression.
Main Results:
- Metastatic pancreatic malignancy identified with pericardial effusion and ventricular masses.
- Extrinsic compression of the right pulmonary artery by mediastinal lymphadenopathy confirmed.
- Patient developed tamponade physiology, obstructive shock, and renal dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Malignant pulmonary artery compression is a rare mimic of pulmonary embolism.
- This condition can present with unexplained right ventricular failure in advanced cancer patients.
- Multimodality imaging is key to differentiating malignant pulmonary artery compression from pulmonary embolism or hypertension.
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