Clinical Report: Recurrent Cerebral Embolism from Lung Adenocarcinoma

Overview

This case study presents a rare instance of recurrent cerebral embolism caused by direct cardiac infiltration from lung adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy for both embolic events.

Background

Recurrent cerebral embolism due to malignancy is a rare but significant clinical event that can complicate the management of cancer patients. Understanding the mechanisms behind such occurrences is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented.

Key Findings

• A 41-year-old woman experienced two embolic strokes due to lung adenocarcinoma invading the heart.
• First stroke involved occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery, treated with mechanical thrombectomy.
• Second stroke occurred four days post-discharge, affecting the right middle cerebral artery, also resolved via thrombectomy.
• Postoperative imaging revealed a right lung mass infiltrating the pericardium and pulmonary vein.
• No further embolic events occurred during follow-up after initiation of chemotherapy and anticoagulation.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider malignancy-related strokes in patients presenting with atypical embolic events, especially in younger individuals.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a rare cause of recurrent cerebral embolism and the effective use of thrombectomy.

Related Resources & Content

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2. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2023 -- Unintentional Decrease in Blood Pressure in Patients with a History of Hypertension as an Indicator of Central Pulmonary Artery Embolism
3. Intensive Care Medicine, 2021 -- Unexpected carbon dioxide embolism during laparoscopic kidney removal surgery
4. Pediatric Cardiology, 2011 -- Ischemic Stroke Resulting from Paradoxical Embolism Following a Failed Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Cautionary Note
5. European Heart Journal Case Reports, 2026 -- Mechanism and rarity of cardiac invasion by lung cancer
6. Multimodality Imaging in the Diagnostic Work-Up of Patients With Cardiac Masses: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review
7. 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
8. https://academic.oup.com/ehjcr/article/10/2/ytag040/8443992
9. Multimodality Imaging in the Diagnostic Work-Up of Patients With Cardiac Masses: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review - PMC
10. 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association