Multiple tumor emboli after lung resection

Abstract

A patient with carcinoma of the lung underwent a left lower lobectomy. For technical difficulties the pulmonary vein was not ligated prior to extensive manipulations of the involved lobe. Following the pulmonary surgery the patient sustained a massive aortic occlusion by a tumor embolus, that was removed by bilateral femoral embolectomies. Three additional documented episodes of peripheral arterial emboli subsequently took place, two of which were tumoral. One tumor embolus into the carotid artery territory eventually caused metastatic spread in the brain. All peripheral emboli were successfully treated by embolectomy. This unique display of multiple tumor emboli, following lung resection for carcinoma, reemphasises the significance of early interruption of the pulmonary vein, in an attempt to reduce the incidence of tumor emboli.