Case report Severe nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism due to primary cancer of the pancreas – a case report

Abstract

We describe a patient with a severe, neoplastic pulmonary embolism due to primary cancer of the pancreas. The 40-year-old male was admitted to the haematology department with an initial diagnosis of lymphoma. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass in the right atrium. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed and revealed two moving tumours: the first in the extend of the vena cava superior and the second one in the tricuspid valve annulus. After bronchoscopy the patient’s haemodynamic condition deteriorated and was followed by cardiac arrest. Post-mortem examination showed extensive tumour emboli in the left pulmonary artery as well as pancreatic cancer at an advanced stage.