Pulmonary embolism during surgery for a Wilms' tumour (nephroblastoma). Case report

During resection of a Wilms' tumour in a 10-year-old girl, sudden bradycardia, hypotension and cyanosis developed, leading to cardiac arrest. It was thought that part of the tumour had caused a pulmonary embolus. After prompt resuscitation, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was started within 20 min. At operation the left pulmonary artery was blocked by a tumour embolus which was removed with a Fogarty catheter. The patient is still alive and well 27 months after her operation. We believe her to be the longest surviving patient of this type.