Fatal microscopic pulmonary tumour embolisms in patients with breast cancer: necessary knowledge for future medical practice

Abstract

Microscopic pulmonary tumour embolisms (MPTE) are a rare but life-threatening phenomenon in patients with a history of adenocarcinoma. Due to the nonspecific symptoms, diagnostic difficulty, and rapid progression, this condition is often fatal. We describe two patients who previously completed breast cancer treatment, and now present with fatal MPTE and we provide a comprehensive review of the literature.