Tuberc Respir Dis.  2003 Feb;54(2):230-235. 10.4046/trd.2003.54.2.230.

A Case of Primary Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma

• Kim HJ
• Seo SM
• Kim SY
• Kim MS
• Kim SJ
• Kim YK
• Kim KH
• Moon HS
• Song JS
• Park SH

• KMID: 2158840
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2003.54.2.230

Abstract

A primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor derived from the intimal layer of the pulmonary artery. Its clinical presentation can lead to a misdiagnosis of more common diseases such as thromboembolic disease. It is known to have a very poor prognosis. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of a primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is difficult and often delayed. We experienced a case of primary pulmonary artery sarcoma mimicking a pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient was admitted as a result of progressive dyspnea and coughing. The lung perfusion scan showed a large perfusion defect involving almost the entire right lung and suspicious small perfusion defects in the left upper lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging of the chest showed an enhancing nodule within the thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. The mass was removed completely by surgery, but the patient died as a result of shock.

Keyword

pulmonary artery sarcoma; pulmonary thromboembolism

MeSH Terms

Cough
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Errors
Dyspnea
Humans
Lung
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Perfusion
Prognosis
Pulmonary Artery*
Pulmonary Embolism
Sarcoma*
Shock
Thorax
Thrombosis