Diagnostic challenge of pulmonary embolism during testosterone replacement therapy for primary hypogonadism
Abstract
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widely used in the management of male hypogonadism to restore physiological androgen levels and improve related symptoms. Although generally considered safe under appropriate monitoring, its association with pulmonary embolism (PE) remains controversial. We report a case of a 50-year-old man who independently and progressively shortened testosterone injection intervals due to recurrent hypogonadal symptoms. Despite the absence of overt cardiopulmonary symptoms, diagnostic workup revealed bilateral PE. This case highlights an atypical presentation of PE in a male patient receiving TRT, in whom nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance were initially attributed to hypogonadism, potentially masking an underlying life-threatening thromboembolic event. It underscores the importance of periodic reassessment of TRT, clinical vigilance for thrombotic complications, and improved risk-stratification tools to guide monitoring and management.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Induced osteoblast differentiation by amide derivatives of stilbene: The possible osteogenic agents
- On model selections for repeated measurement data in clinical studies
- Regulation of GLUT transporters by flavonoids in androgen-sensitive and -insensitive prostate cancer cells
- Region-specific microRNA signatures in the human epididymis
- Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of 4-Amino-2H-benzo[h]chromen-2-one (ABO) analogs containing the piperazine moiety
- In Vitro characterization of the endocrine disrupting effects of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on the human androgen receptor
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.