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Life-threatening pulmonary embolism associated with multiple venous aneurysms
Shogo Sakamoto1, Toru Kataoka1, Tsukasa Okai1
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Bellland General Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and Lymphatic Disorders
|April 17, 2017
Summary
Multiple popliteal venous aneurysms (PVAs) caused a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Treatment involved an inferior vena cava filter and anticoagulation, avoiding surgical risks associated with multiple aneurysms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Thromboembolism
Background:
- Popliteal venous aneurysms (PVAs) are recognized causes of pulmonary embolism.
- Previous literature primarily associates single PVAs with embolic events.
Observation:
- A rare case presented with multiple, bilateral saccular and fusiform venous aneurysms, including PVAs.
- This condition led to a nearly fatal pulmonary embolism.
Findings:
- Surgical ligation, the standard treatment for PVAs, was deemed high-risk due to the multiple aneurysms.
- Inferior vena cava filter placement and anticoagulation were chosen to prevent phlegmasia cerulea dolens.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for multiple PVAs to cause severe thromboembolic events.
- It suggests an alternative management strategy to surgical ligation in complex cases.
- This approach may improve outcomes for patients with extensive venous aneurysms.