Eisenmenger Syndrome and Endometrial Carcinoma—A Cardio-Oncologic Therapeutic Dilemma: Case Report

Abstract Background Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) represents the end stage of uncorrected congenital heart defects with long-standing left-to-right shunts that evolve into irreversible pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This report highlights the complex cardio-oncological management of a patient with ES and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), who developed endometrial carcinoma complicated by life-threatening uterine bleeding. Case Summary A 66-year-old woman with an uncorrected ostium secundum atrial septal defect complicated by Eisenmenger physiology and CTEPH presented with vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Due to prohibitive surgical risk, radiotherapy was selected as the primary treatment; however, bleeding persisted despite completion of 28 sessions. Interruption of warfarin therapy was contraindicated, given her high thrombotic risk. Following multidisciplinary team (MDT) deliberation, uterine artery embolization (UAE) was performed successfully, achieving hemorrhage control without major hemodynamic instability. This minimally invasive intervention proved life-saving in a patient for whom both surgical and medical alternatives carried unacceptable risk. Discussion The case exemplifies the intricate balance between anticoagulation and hemorrhagic control in ES complicated by malignancy. Severe hypoxemia and hemostatic abnormalities inherent to ES amplify both bleeding and thrombotic risks, complicating oncological management. Tumor hypoxia secondary to chronic cyanosis may contribute to radioresistance and poor response to local therapy. The successful use of UAE underscores the vital role of a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetric-oncology team in navigating life-threatening clinical conflicts and tailoring individualized strategies when conventional guidelines offer limited direction.

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Publication Details

Journal
European Heart Journal - Case Reports
Published
2026-05-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/ehjcr/ytag374
Primary Topic
Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments
Type
article
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article

Eisenmenger Syndrome and Endometrial Carcinoma—A Cardio-Oncologic Therapeutic Dilemma: Case Report

Maria do PAtrocínio Tenório Nunes, Gustavo Foronda, Ana Maria Thomaz, Matheus Henrique Sicupira Lima et al.
European Heart Journal - Case Reports
Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments
article

Eisenmenger Syndrome and Endometrial Carcinoma—A Cardio-Oncologic Therapeutic Dilemma: Case Report

Maria do PAtrocínio Tenório Nunes, Gustavo Foronda, Ana Maria Thomaz, Matheus Henrique Sicupira Lima, Ana Cristina Sayuri Tanaka, Ana Carolina Buso Faccinetto, Isabella de Luna Kalil, Luís Henrique Wolff Gowdak
article en

Abstract

Abstract Background Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) represents the end stage of uncorrected congenital heart defects with long-standing left-to-right shunts that evolve into irreversible pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This report highlights the complex cardio-oncological management of a patient with ES and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), who developed endometrial carcinoma complicated by life-threatening uterine bleeding. Case Summary A 66-year-old woman with an uncorrected ostium secundum atrial septal defect complicated by Eisenmenger physiology and CTEPH presented with vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Due to prohibitive surgical risk, radiotherapy was selected as the primary treatment; however, bleeding persisted despite completion of 28 sessions. Interruption of warfarin therapy was contraindicated, given her high thrombotic risk. Following multidisciplinary team (MDT) deliberation, uterine artery embolization (UAE) was performed successfully, achieving hemorrhage control without major hemodynamic instability. This minimally invasive intervention proved life-saving in a patient for whom both surgical and medical alternatives carried unacceptable risk. Discussion The case exemplifies the intricate balance between anticoagulation and hemorrhagic control in ES complicated by malignancy. Severe hypoxemia and hemostatic abnormalities inherent to ES amplify both bleeding and thrombotic risks, complicating oncological management. Tumor hypoxia secondary to chronic cyanosis may contribute to radioresistance and poor response to local therapy. The successful use of UAE underscores the vital role of a multidisciplinary cardio-obstetric-oncology team in navigating life-threatening clinical conflicts and tailoring individualized strategies when conventional guidelines offer limited direction.

European Heart Journal - Case Reports
Guarulhos University (BR), Hospital de Clínicas (UY)
No poverty
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Treatments
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