Endobronchial/tracheal metastasis and sudden death.

Authors :: Byard RW
Source :: Journal of forensic sciences [J Forensic Sci] 2014 Jul; Vol. 59 (4), pp. 1139-41. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Feb 06.
Publication Year :: 2014
Abstract: Endobronchial and endotracheal metastases are rare lesions that may cause acute occlusion of major airways. A case is reported of a 62-year-old man with history of renal cell carcinoma and hemoptysis who died after having suddenly become short of breath with cyanosis. At autopsy, recurrent renal cell carcinoma was identified with metastases to the lungs, pulmonary hilar lymph nodes, and brain. In addition, a solitary papillomatous metastasis arising from the mucosa of the carina was obstructing both the main bronchi and distal trachea. Death was due to acute airway obstruction by a metastatic deposit at the bifurcation of the trachea in a case of disseminated renal cell carcinoma. This case demonstrates an extremely rare cause of sudden death that may complicate disseminated malignancy.<br /> (© 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)