Massive Pulmonary Embolism Following Varicose Vein Surgery That Was Successfully Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy

The risk of massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) secondary to varicose vein surgery is very low. There are only two cases which have been reported regarding massive PTE occurring after varicose vein surgery. We herein present the case of a woman who had suffered from chest pain. A short period following her admission to the emergency department, she had cardiac arrest and was subsequently diagnosed with massive PTE. Thrombolytic therapy was administered and her clinical status dramatically improved thereafter. Massive PTE may occur after minor surgical procedures, and thrombolytic therapy can safely be administered after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.