Successful pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in a patient with subacute pulmonary thromboembolism

Pulmonary thromboembolism can lead to serious hemodynamic instability or even death. Treatment for subacute pulmonary thromboembolism is not standardized. We report a case of subacute pulmonary thromboembolism successfully treated by pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. A 63-year-old woman without underlying disease was admitted due to progressive shortness of breath with episodic exacerbation for more than 5 months. Hypoxemia was noted on admission. Contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography of the chest revealed multiple thrombi in the central pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy was performed 5 days after admission. The surgical specimens showed acute, subacute, and chronic stages of thrombi. Her clinical condition improved markedly after operation. She was discharged and had recovered fully at follow-up 6 months after discharge. This case suggests that pulmonary thromboendarterectomy may be beneficial for patients with subacute pulmonary thromboembolism.