Case report of a pulmonary embolism in a patient with inferior vena cava compression by an 11 × 28 cm abdominal benign tumor

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition causing an abrupt reduction in blood flow in the pulmonary vasculature due to a migrating thrombus. The most cases are related to thromboembolism events originating in the lower limbs. However alternate etiologies should be suspected in certain clinical cases mainly in young patients with no risk factors. Case Presentation: We present a case of a young patient with proximal PE caused by compression on the inferior vena cava by an abdominal benign tumor measuring 11 × 28 cm. The patient was treated surgically and started on a therapeutic dose of Anticoagulation. The etiology of PE in this case was attributed to large vein compression promoting blood stasis and leading to thrombus formation. Conclusion: In short, acute PE in young female patients, is unusual and should raise suspicion for miscellaneous causes including vascular compression by tumors.