Non-small-cell carcinoma localised within the pulmonary artery misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolism

Abstract

In this case report we describe a 69-year-old male ex-smoker with non-small-cell carcinoma localised within the pulmonary artery, misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolism. This case indicates that non-small-cell carcinoma can be localised within the pulmonary artery. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of performing a positron emission tomography scan and diagnostic intraluminal biopsy in unexplained lesions in the pulmonary artery to reach the proper diagnosis at the early stages of the disease. The patient is currently undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. LEARNING POINTS • Tumours within the pulmonary arteries are a rare finding and rarely reported, and are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolism. • If the diagnosis is unclear a positron emission tomography (PET-CT) scan and intravascular biopsy should be considered at early stages of the presentation. • In general, surgery would be the treatment of choice for pulmonary artery tumours but this is not optimal and treatment options remain controversial.