Pulmonary embolus masquerading as pneumonia in a patient with Hodgkin's disease and nephrotic syndrome.
Fatal pulmonary embolus is an infrequent cause of death in patients with Hodgkin's disease who respond to initial therapy. This patient had associated minimal change disease and nephrotic syndrome that was responding to therapy, but had this complication. The diagnosis was delayed by the presentation that suggested pneumonia. A high index of suspicion for thrombotic complications and an aggressive diagnostic pursuit thereof are merited in these patients.
Ellis
R J
RJ
Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Investigation, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Calif 92134-5000, USA.
Cosby
R L
RL
Lees
J A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis*