The expanding horizons of endobronchial ultrasound: diagnosis of a tumor embolism

Chest. 2012 Nov;142(5):1334-1336. doi: 10.1378/chest.12-0181.

Abstract

A 51-year-old woman was given a diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma, which was surgically removed, and she was subsequently treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Five years later, the patient was readmitted with a 1-month history of progressive dyspnea and was initially given a diagnosis of bilateral pulmonary embolism. Angiography performed some time later revealed progression of the previous filling defects and the appearance of two new nodular endovascular images. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was performed, and the cytologic analysis of the cell aspirate was compatible with endovascular metastatic sarcoma. In conclusion, EBUS-TBNA in the appropriate setting is an effective method for sampling endovascular lesions, adding pathologic information and allowing for early and accurate diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle*
  • Endosonography / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Pulmonary Embolism / pathology*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Sarcoma, Synovial / secondary*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*