Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy with circulatory failure treated with imatinib

Intern Med. 2013;52(17):1927-30. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.0718.

Abstract

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy is a lethal, yet difficult to diagnose, complication of gastrointestinal carcinoma. Even if properly diagnosed, there is no treatment, especially after a circulatory collapse. We herein report a case of pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy with circulatory failure due to pulmonary hypertension. The patient was temporarily successfully treated with imatinib, an inhibitor of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Pulmonary hypertension was dramatically ameliorated and the patient was able to be weaned from percutaneous cardiopulmonary support within 20 days of treatment. Imatinib may be effective for ameliorating pulmonary hypertension that is caused by pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzamides / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / drug effects*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology*
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / diagnosis*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate