Pulmonary artery sarcoma misdiagnosed as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Widera, E.; Sulica, R.
Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine new York 72(6): 360-364
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-2507 PMID: 16358159 Document Number: 587820
Pulmonary artery sarcomas are rare neoplasms of the pulmonary artery that are often confused with chronic thromboembolic disease, as both diseases have similar presentations. In patients with presumed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, certain clinical and imaging characteristics may suggest the alternative diagnosis of pulmonary artery sarcoma. In this article we present a case of a man initially diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, but who was later found to have pulmonary artery sarcoma. We review the distinguishing characteristics of the two diseases and discuss possible treatment strategies.