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Pulmonary vein thrombosis associated with a large hiatal hernia
Jutamas Saoraya1, Pholaphat Charles Inboriboon
1Emergency Department, Veteran Affairs San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
Background:
Pulmonary vein thrombosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Reported cases of pulmonary vein thrombosis commonly occur as a complication of pulmonary surgery. There is a paucity of literature describing its clinical manifestations and non-operative causes.
Objective:
We report the unique case of pulmonary vein thrombosis associated with a large hiatal hernia in a patient initially presenting with renal infarction.
Case Report:
A 68-year-old man initially presented with increasing intensity of left lower quadrant pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed left renal infarctions. Searching for an embolic source, further investigation revealed left inferior pulmonary vein thrombosis in the setting of venous compression in the lung tissue adjacent to a large hiatal hernia.
Conclusion:
Large hiatal hernias may be a nidus for pulmonary vein thrombosis, a potential source of left-sided emboli.
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