Abstract
Background. Endobronchial metastases from malignant tumors are relatively rare, with breast cancer, kidney cancer, and colorectal cancer being the most common primary tumors. Endobronchial metastases of renal cell carcinoma bleed easily and carry a high risk of severe bleeding. Case. The patient was a 51-year-old woman who was diagnosed with left renal cell carcinoma (T3bN1M1, stage IV) in 2012. She had received various treatments, excluding the use of molecular-targeted drugs. In May 2020, she visited our hospital because of dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed obstruction of the left main bronchus, and a bronchoscopy was performed under invasive mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure. The left main bronchus was almost completely obstructed due to a rough polypoid tumor with redness and bleeding. Bronchial artery embolization was first performed due to the high risk associated with bleeding. After bronchial artery embolization, airway stent placement was performed, and her respiratory condition improved. Molecular-targeted drugs were administered, and radiotherapy was performed for endobronchial metastatic lesions. A long-term survival has been obtained. Conclusion. The safe placement of an airway stent after bronchial artery embolization improved the prognosis of a patient with acute respiratory failure due to endobronchial metastases of renal cell carcinoma.
