Microscopic pulmonary embolization by adenocarcinoma of prostate.

Microscopic tumor embolization is an uncommon cause of respiratory insufficiency. This finding has been reported previously in only 2 patients with carcinoma of the prostate. The diagnosis should be suspected in a patient with cancer of the prostate who was unexplained dyspnea or respiratory failure. Treatment consists of either bilateral orchiectomy or hormonal therapy. A case is reported of adenocarcinoma of the prostate with widespread microscopic pulmonary embolization causing respiratory failure.