Cor pulmonale due to tumour embolism derived from intrasinusoidal metastatic liver carcinoma.

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Two cases of primary breast carcinoma are described, both terminating in acute cardiorespiratory failure due to multiple tumour micro-embolism. In both cases the source of the emboli was extensive metastatic intrasinusoidal carcinomatous infiltration of the liver. The association of these two uncommon conditions has not previously been reported. A brief review of the literature pertaining to diffuse intrasinusoidal metastatic carcinoma of the liver and to carcinomatous pulmonary embolism is included. The latter condition may be commoner and of greater clinical significance than has hitherto been appreciated. Some of the factors which may be responsible for this peculiar type of tumour dissemination are discussed.

Acute liver failure associated with diffuse liver infiltration by metastatic breast carcinoma: A case report

“…This complication is speculated to be caused by extensive hepatocellular necrosis resulting from pressure atrophy and interference of the vascular supply (4,6–8,13). Radiological studies including ultrasonography, CT and MRI scans are usually not able to identify diffuse parenchymal metastasis (1,3–5,7), thus increasing the difficulty in the diagnosis.…”