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Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation presenting with severe hypoxemia.
Adel K Ayed1, Samer Bazerbashi, Babu Uthaman
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait. adel@hsc.edu.kw
Summary
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) can occur after empyema. Percutaneous transcatheter embolization offers a safe and effective treatment for PAVMs, as demonstrated in this case report.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins.
- PAVMs can lead to significant complications such as hypoxemia and hemoptysis.
- Empyema thoracis is a serious infection of the pleural space.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 19-year-old male presented with acute respiratory distress, fever, and hypoxemia.
- Radiological examinations revealed pneumonia with pleural effusion in the left lung and a right upper lobe PAVM.
- The patient required intubation and mechanical ventilation due to persistent hypoxemia.
Findings:
- The diagnosis was confirmed as left pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion and a right upper lobe PAVM.
- Percutaneous transcatheter embolization was successfully performed to treat the PAVM.
- The patient's respiratory status improved following the embolization procedure.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare association between empyema thoracis and the development of PAVM.
- Percutaneous transcatheter embolization is presented as a safe and effective first-line treatment for PAVMs.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing complex cases of PAVM.