Simultaneous presentation of pulmonary embolism and pericardial effusion as complications of cancer: a case report

Abstract

Summary We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who was admitted to Vilnius University Hospital Santaros klinikos suffering from week-long shortness of breath during minimal physical activity. Computed tomography angiography and echocardiogram findings led to a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and large pericardial effusion. The patient was previously diagnosed with a base of tongue cancer with lung metastasis. The patient received low-molecular-weight-heparin, and pericardiocentesis was performed. As a result, the patient’s general condition improved, and she was discharged from the hospital. In this case, pulmonary embolism and pericardial effusion coincided as complications of malignancy. The concurrent presentation of these conditions is rare and poses a clinical dilemma regarding the treatment, including anticoagulant therapy.