Shortness of breath: pulmonary embolism, ischemic heart failure, or both? The role of concomitant surgery.

We present a case of a patient who underwent successful concomitant surgical management of his massive pulmonary embolism and severe multivessel coronary disease. His presentation with shortness of breath prompted a comprehensive evaluation, which revealed both problems. This experience emphasizes the importance of considering both problems, because treating one but not the other could be catastrophic.