Major peripheral arterial occlusion due to malignant tumor embolism: histologic recognition and surgical management.

Four cases of major peripheral arterial occlusion due to malignant tumor emboli are reported. All of the emboli originated from primary lung carcinomas, three following resection of the lung tumor, and the fourth occurring spontaneously before discovery of the lung primary. Each patient underwent successful embolectomy and was discharged without any related deficits. Their survival ranged from three to seven months. These cases emphasize the possibility of tumor embolism either spontaneously or following surgical manipulation. Early pulmonary vein ligation and, if indicated, intrapericardial ligation should be performed at the time of resection to try to prevent this complication.