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Hepatocellular Carcinoma Masquerading as Heart Failure: When POCUS “Incidentally” Detects Cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and cardiovascular involvement can occur in advanced cases. An 84-year-old man with subacute dyspnea on exertion and pedal edema was referred to the cardiologist for suspected heart failure. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) revealed scant ascites, a liver mass, and inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium. Computed tomography confirmed HCC with extensive intravascular spread and pulmonary emboli. This case illustrates a rare phenomenon of HCC masquerading as heart failure and underscores the potential value and challenges of incorporating POCUS into outpatient evaluations for earlier cancer detection.

Source: POCUS Journal

DOI: 10.24908/pocusj.v11i01.19738

Authors: Luke Shenton, Wesley Chow, Bruce Kimura

Institution: Scripps Mercy Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasound in Clinical Applications

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7155359439

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