Testicular neoplasm presenting as a major pulmonary embolism.

Abstract

To report an unusual and life-threatening presentation of a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of the testis. A 35-year-old male presented with pulmonary embolism secondary to a neoplastic thrombus from a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Prompt management involved surgical thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, followed by orchiectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Three years later, the patient remains disease free according to physical examination, radiographic workup and serum markers. The excellent long-term outcome of this patient supports an aggressive multidisciplinary management of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors in young adults.