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Wallenberg syndrome in a patient after pulmonary resection: a case report

Tsubasa Matsuo1, Daisuke Kimura2, Kengo Tani2

  • 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki City, Aomori, Japan. tsubasa1986side@gmail.com.

General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Cases
|November 8, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A rare case of Wallenberg syndrome, a type of cerebral infarction, occurred after lung surgery. Prompt diagnosis and anticoagulation therapy were crucial for patient recovery following the vertebral artery occlusion.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Cerebral infarction is a rare but serious complication following pulmonary resection.
  • Postoperative Wallenberg syndrome, caused by posterior inferior cerebral artery infarction, is an exceptionally uncommon occurrence after lobectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of Wallenberg syndrome following left upper lobectomy.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of posterior circulation cerebral infarction in the postoperative setting.

Main Methods:

  • A 72-year-old male patient underwent left upper lobectomy for lung cancer.
  • Postoperatively, the patient presented with symptoms suggestive of cerebral infarction.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed right vertebral artery occlusion, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) excluded pulmonary vein thrombus.

Main Results:

  • The patient was diagnosed with Wallenberg syndrome, characterized by infarction in the lateral medulla and cerebellum.
  • Prompt anticoagulation therapy was initiated upon diagnosis.
  • The patient was discharged on postoperative day 16 for rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

  • This case highlights the possibility of Wallenberg syndrome due to vertebral artery occlusion after lobectomy.
  • Differentiating posterior circulation cerebral infarction from anesthetic side effects requires meticulous physical examination.
  • Early recognition and management are vital for favorable outcomes in such rare postoperative neurological complications.
Keywords:
Cerebral infarctionLeft upper lobectomyLung cancerWallenberg syndrome

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