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Pulmonary thromboembolism presenting with abdominal symptoms
1PGY-1 Department of Medical Education Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, Watertown, NY, U.S.A.
The American Journal of Case Reports
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Abdominal pain is an uncommon presentation of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). This case highlights the importance of considering PTE in patients with unexplained abdominal pain and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Abdominal pain is an infrequent presenting symptom of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of PTE are crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of pulmonary thromboembolism presenting with abdominal pain.
- To emphasize the importance of considering PTE in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 42-year-old male with acute abdominal pain.
- Initial evaluation included computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen.
- Further investigation was prompted by lack of response to empiric treatment.
Main Results:
- Initial abdominal CT suggested cholecystitis.
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is treatable upon diagnosis.
- Abdominal pain as a presenting complaint for PTE is rare.
- Clinicians should include PTE in the differential diagnosis for abdominal pain, especially in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors.
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