A rare reason for pulmonary hypertension: Primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery

Abstract

Primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery (PSPA) is an extremely rare tumor of the cardiovascular system. The prognosis is very poor. The clinical symptoms and imaging findings imitate those of pulmonary emboli, causing delays in diagnosis. In this case report, we describe a 73-year-old man with PSPA who initially was admitted with exertional shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation revealed 2 masses in the pulmonary artery causing pulmonary hypertension. The patient underwent operation, but he could not be weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass at the end of the operation and died. Pathologic examination of the masses revealed pulmonary sarcoma. Although this patient was admitted to our clinic only 2 weeks after the initial symptoms, he already had distal metastases.