title: Unusual Development of Pulmonary Tumor Embolism from Controlled Liver Metastases of Transitional Cell Carcinoma: An Autopsy Case.
abstract: Clinicians generally suspect pulmonary tumor embolism (PTE) with uncontrolled carcinomas which often spread to lungs. We, however, experienced an autopsy case of diffuse microscopic PTE despite controlled liver metastases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). A 66-year-old man with progressing respiratory symptoms showed almost normal chest findings on computed tomography. Although liver metastases were successfully shrunk by chemotherapy, the patient died from aggressive respiratory failure. An autopsy revealed small pulmonary vessels showing diffuse tumor emboli. TCC can cause PTE even if liver metastases are controlled. We must therefore be aware that PTE can manifest as respiratory symptoms without any computed tomography findings.
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, Tonan Hospital, Japan.
authors: Hiromitsu
authors: H
authors: Kitayama
authors: Taro
authors: T
authors: Yokota
authors: Tomohiro
authors: T
authors: Kondo
authors: Junko
authors: J
authors: Sugiyama
authors: Michiaki
authors: M
authors: Hirayama
authors: Yumiko
authors: Y
authors: Oyamada
authors: Yasushi
authors: Y
authors: Tsuji
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001344:Autopsy; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000473:pathology; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*