Metastatic chondrosarcoma to the lung with extension into the left atrium via invasion of the pulmonary veins: presentation as embolic cerebral infarction.

We present a case of metastatic chondrosarcoma to the lungs that invaded the left inferior pulmonary vein, extended into the left atrium and presented with an embolic cerebral infarct. CT findings included a large mass in the left lower lobe associated with enlargement of the left inferior pulmonary vein and a lobular filling defect in the left atrium. Systemic arterial embolization and obstruction of the mitral valve may be prominent features of pulmonary tumors that have invaded the pulmonary veins.