Be aware of non-specific presentation of pulmonary embolism: a case report

The early diagnosis of non-specific presentation of pulmonary embolism (PE) is difficult because the symptoms are non-specific and varied.

A 69-year-old female patient had syncope accompanied by gait disturbance, without obvious inducement. The patient was initially suspected to have cerebral infarction, but the symptoms did not improve and myocardial markers increased after two days of symptomatic treatment for myocardial infarction. Hence, PE was suspected and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examination confirmed the diagnosis. CTPA showed multiple emboli in pulmonary artery and its branches, so high-risk PE was diagnosed. Intravenous thrombolysis was administered, and pulmonary CTA showed a significant reduction of emboli in pulmonary artery and its left and right branches.

This case report highlights the importance of improving the clinical awareness about non-specific presentation of PE and avoiding misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.