Tumor embolism as a cause of an unexpected death: a case report

Nonthrombotic Pulmonary Embolism Associated With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE) challenges the medical community with its diverse etiologies and potential life-threatening implications. The classification section delves into the multifaceted nature of NTPE, which includes various embolic agents that traverse the vascular system. From air and fat emboli to tumor and amniotic fluid emboli, this exploration of diverse etiologies sheds light on the complexity of NTPE. Diagnostic methods play a crucial role in the effective management of NTPE. This article describes a range of traditional and cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, from computed tomography angiography to novel biomarkers, enabling the accurate and timely identification of NTPE. NTPE treatment options are diverse and patient-specific, requiring customized approaches to address varying embolic sources. Anticoagulation, embolus removal, and emerging interventions under study are discussed, providing clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of management strategies. This article uncovers the rare but captivating association between NTPE and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although rare, documented cases have sparked curiosity among researchers and medical practitioners. We explore potential pathophysiological connections, discussing challenges and considerations when encountering this unique scenario. In conclusion, this captivating review encapsulates the multifaceted realm of NTPE, covering its classification, diagnostics, and treatment modalities. Moreover, it presents a fascinating connection with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This article offers a comprehensive and concise review of NTPE, guiding readers through its intricate classification, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions.

Lung cancer embolization causing acute limb ischemia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Acute tumour embolism to the popliteal artery resulting in limb-threatening ischemia is a rare complication of neoplastic disease. Generally, tumors embolize to the pulmonary circulation via the venous system. In this case, the originating tumor was a lung cancer of a large size and advanced stage that had invaded the left atrium of the heart and disseminated in the systemic circulation. The tumor likely fragmented, resulting in showering to the right popliteal artery, superior mesenteric artery, and left renal artery, which is a unique presentation of tumor embolism.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a 62-year-old Caucasian gentleman with a large left lower lobe squamous cell lung cancer that had invaded into the left atrium via the pulmonary veins. He presented with acute limb threatening ischemia. A computed tomographic angiogram revealed an occlusion of the left popliteal artery as well as embolization to the superior mesenteric artery and the right renal artery. He was started on intravenous heparin and underwent an emergency popliteal embolectomy and calf fasciotomies, which was limb saving. His fasciotomy wounds were closed after 1 week and he was discharged on anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

This is a rare case of tumor embolism resulting in both an embolectomy and calf fasciotomies. In the light of such cases, we suggest that tumors invading the bloodstream should be considered high risk for embolization and hypothesize that prophylactic antithrombotic therapy may avoid major morbidity.

Pulmonary tumor embolism: A retrospective study over a 30-year period

Background

Pulmonary tumor embolism (PTE) is difficult to detect before death, and it is unclear whether the discrepancy between antemortem clinical and postmortem diagnosis improves with the advance of the diagnostic technologies. In this study we determined the incidence of PTE and analyzed the discrepancy between antemortem clinical and postmortem diagnosis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective autopsy study on patients with the history of malignant solid tumors from 1990 to 2020 and reviewed all the slides of the patients with PTE. We also analyzed the discrepancies between antemortem clinical and postmortem diagnosis in 1999, 2009 and 2019 by using the Goldman criteria. Goldman category major 1 refers to cases in which an autopsy diagnosis was the direct cause of death and was not recognized clinically, but if it had been recognized, it may have changed treatment or prolonged survival.

Results

We found 20 (3%) cases with PTE out of the 658 autopsy cases with solid malignancies. Out of these 20 cases, urothelial carcinoma (30%, 6/20) and invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast (4/20, 20%) were the most common primary malignancies. Seven patients with shortness of breath died within 3–17 days (average 8.4±2.2 days) after onset of the symptoms. Pulmonary embolism was clinically suspected in seven out of twenty (35%, 7/20) patients before death, but only two patients (10, 2/20) were diagnosed by imaging studies before death. The rate of Goldman category major 1 was 13.2% (10/76) in 1999, 7.3% (4/55) in 2009 and 6.9% (8/116) in 2019. Although the rate of Goldman category major 1 appeared decreasing, the difference was not statistically significant. The autopsy rate was significantly higher in 2019 (8.4%, 116/1386) than in 2009 (4.4%, 55/1240).

Conclusions

The incidence of PTE is uncommon. Despite the advances of the radiological techniques, radiological imaging studies did not detect the majority of PTEs. The discrepancy between the antemortem clinical and the postmortem diagnosis has not improved significantly over the past 30 years, emphasizing the value of autopsy.

Occult malignancy underlying a case of "hyperacute" onset of severe pulmonary hypertension

“Tumoral pulmonary hypertension (PH)” includes several subtypes of conditions leading to abnormal levels of pulmonary artery or venous pressure occurring in patients with a current or previous malignancy. Pulmonary tumour “microvascular disease” includes both pulmonary tumour microembolism (PTE) and pulmonary tumour thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) that are likely to be part of the same spectrum disease [1]. PTE was described in early studies, and was defined as the occlusion of the pulmonary microvasculature by tumour cells and associated thrombi. Tumour thrombi are frequently formed by malignant cells, platelets and fibrin, and are highly resistant to recanalisation and lead to an irreversible obstruction. In many cases, they are associated with vascular tissue reaction characterised by extensive fibrocellular intimal hyperplasia of small pulmonary arteries initiated by tumour microemboli known as PTTM [1, 2]. Most reported cases of PTE occur in association with adenocarcinomas, including liver [3, 4], kidney, breast [5, 6], stomach [4, 7], bladder and choriocarcinoma [8]. In a handful of cases of PTE, estimated at 5% [9], the primary cancer is unknown. Ante mortem diagnosis of PTE is often challenging and the majorities of cases are identified as results of post mortem studies. This is especially true for a subset of patients with occult malignancy and acute onset of severe PH.

Investigations in a patient with new-onset pulmonary hypertension should include screening for undiagnosed malignancyhttp://bit.ly/2mrLmGM

Myxoid Emboli

Emboli are common clinicopathologic findings. Recognition of the type of arterial emboli could be the first clue to the original source. Emboli with myxomatous changes are rare. Myxoma-like features in mural organizing thrombi have been reported. The most challenging differential diagnosis is between embolic cardiac myxomas and myxomatous thromboemboli. Emboli from sarcomas and arteriosclerotic plaques with myxoid features are also potential pitfalls. There is scarcity of studies focusing on myxoid emboli and their clinical and pathologic importance. We performed a retrospective study over 12 years. We retrieved all of the embolectomy specimens. We histologically screened the emboli for myxoid stroma, myxomatous changes, and mucinous degeneration. We retrieved 12 cases (3%) of myxoid emboli out of 391 embolectomy specimens. We found 4 cases of thromboemboli, 5 cases of atrial myxomas, 2 cases of atheromatous plaques, and a myxoid liposarcoma. The age range was between 35 and 71 years, with a mean age of 51 years. The male-to-female ratio was 3:2. Myxoid thromboemboli and myxomas were large, while atheromatous plaque emboli were small. Myxoid emboli arising from organizing mural thrombi can be histologically confused with cardiac myxomas and vice versa. Myxoid emboli from atheromatous plaque and myxoid sarcomas can mimic embolizing myxomas. Certain histologic features are helpful hints to differentiate between myxoid emboli. In doubtful cases, immunohistochemistry is helpful. Correct histologic recognition of the different types of myxoid emboli helps guide the clinicians to the most likely etiology and appropriate management in occlusive peripheral vascular diseases with clinically unrecognized lesions.

Neoplastic embolization to systemic and pulmonary arteries

OBJECTIVE

Arterial neoplastic emboli are uncommon, accounting for <1% of thromboemboli in the current literature. Nonetheless, this event may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report a series of 11 cases of arterial neoplastic emboli from a single tertiary care center along with a comprehensive review of the literature to date. The aim of this study was to document the incidence, clinical presentations, and complications of arterial neoplastic emboli as well as to highlight the importance of routine histologic examination of thrombectomy specimens.

METHODS

Pathology archives from a single tertiary care institution were queried to identify cases of surgically resected arterial emboli containing neoplasm (1998-2014). Histopathology was reviewed for confirmation of diagnosis. Patient demographics and oncologic history were abstracted from the medical record. Comprehensive literature review documented 332 patients in 275 reports (1930-2016).

RESULTS

Eleven patients (six men) with a median age of 63 years (interquartile range, 42-71 years) were identified through institutional archives. Embolism was the primary form of diagnosis in seven (64%) cases. Cardiac involvement (primary or metastasis) was present in more than half of the cohort. Comprehensive literature review revealed that pulmonary primaries were the most common anatomic origin of arterial neoplastic emboli, followed by gastrointestinal neoplasia. Cardiac involvement was present in 18% of patients, and sentinel identification of neoplasia occurred in 30% of cases. Postmortem evaluation was the primary means of diagnosis in 27%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of routine histopathologic evaluation of embolectomy specimens in patients with and without documented neoplasia.

Massive pulmonary tumor microembolism from a hepatocellular carcinoma

A 48-year-old patient with known alcohol abuse and long-standing liver cirrhosis presented with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and subsequent hepato-renal syndrome. Autopsy revealed a large hepatocellular carcinoma of the right liver lobe. Histologically, pulmonary arteries, arterioles, and capillaries were occluded by numerous tumor emboli. Small tumor emboli also covered the endocardium of the right ventricle. A review of the literature shows that macroscopic as well as microscopic pulmonary tumor embolism is often diagnosed in patients with a previously unknown malignancy. Moreover, pulmonary tumor embolism radiologically mimics pneumonia, tuberculosis, or interstitial lung disease. Therefore, an autopsy should be considered in cases of fulminant or massive pulmonary embolism to exclude tumor embolism even when the patients' history is insignificant as to this point, and in cases with known malignant tumors and respiratory symptoms to exclude tumor microembolism.