Recurrent Cardiac Tamponade by Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma

Echocardiography. 2025 Jan;42(1):e70068. doi: 10.1111/echo.70068.

Abstract

A 43-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and cough, initially misdiagnosed as respiratory syncytial virus. Persistent symptoms led to pulmonary thromboembolism treatment, but worsening issues revealed recurrent pericardial effusion. Imaging and biopsy confirmed pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma, mimicking thromboembolism, and autoimmune disease, underscoring diagnostic challenges. Contrast-enhanced angiotomography showing filling defects suggestive of pulmonary thromboembolism. Echocardiogram with severe pericardial effusion. T2-weighted MRI with two heterogeneous masses on the right side and another adjacent to the left atrium. Biopsy confirming pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma.

Keywords: intimal sarcoma; pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma; pulmonary artery sarcoma; pulmonary thromboembolism; tamponade.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / diagnosis
  • Cardiac Tamponade* / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Artery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Recurrence
  • Sarcoma* / complications
  • Sarcoma* / diagnosis
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Neoplasms* / complications
  • Vascular Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Vascular Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging