Acute pulmonary tumour embolism and right systolic dysfunction in a hidden intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: case report

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tumour embolism is a rare entity that can arise from a wide variety of neoplasms. It can initially manifest as a pulmonary embolism with right heart failure and be refractory to thrombolytic therapy. Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy that arises from the epithelium of the biliary tree, representing 3% of all the gastrointestinal malignancies, being the intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma the second most common liver tumour after hepatocellular carcinoma. CASE SUMMARY: This case regards a patient that presented to our centre with acute pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and unrevealing previous medical history. Imaging studies revealed pulmonary embolism, an ovarian mass, and multiple hepatic hypodensities. Throughout the hospitalization, the patient’s haemodynamic state and right heart failure worsened, eventually leading to multi-organ failure and death. Post-mortem evaluation revealed cholangiocarcinoma cells on the pulmonary arteries. DISCUSSION: Pulmonary tumour embolism is a rare pathology that can present with acute right heart failure. The diagnosis of occult cancer can be challenging, and the appropriate treatment for this entity remains an unexplored subject.