Massive Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism in a Healthy 37-Year-Old Male: A Case of Atypical Presentation

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition caused by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries by a blood clot, commonly originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although traditional risk factors include recent surgery, immobility, cancer, or thrombophilia, PE can also occur in patients without these predisposing factors, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. In this case report, we present a 37-year-old Pakistani male with no significant medical history who suffered a massive PE. The patient experienced an initial collapse at home and a second collapse en route to the hospital, necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite the absence of conventional risk factors, emergent diagnosis and prompt treatment, including thrombolysis and anticoagulation, led to a positive outcome. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for PE, even in atypical presentations. It emphasizes the need for clinicians to include PE in the differential diagnosis for sudden collapse, ensuring timely intervention and improved survival rates.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-01-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78107
Primary Topic
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
Type
article
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0.00
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article

Massive Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism in a Healthy 37-Year-Old Male: A Case of Atypical Presentation

Ehab Musbah Abbas, Syed Hassan Mustafa, Essa A Alkhalifa, Ali S Buallay
Cureus
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
article

Massive Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism in a Healthy 37-Year-Old Male: A Case of Atypical Presentation

Ehab Musbah Abbas, Syed Hassan Mustafa, Essa A Alkhalifa, Ali S Buallay
article en

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition caused by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries by a blood clot, commonly originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although traditional risk factors include recent surgery, immobility, cancer, or thrombophilia, PE can also occur in patients without these predisposing factors, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. In this case report, we present a 37-year-old Pakistani male with no significant medical history who suffered a massive PE. The patient experienced an initial collapse at home and a second collapse en route to the hospital, necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite the absence of conventional risk factors, emergent diagnosis and prompt treatment, including thrombolysis and anticoagulation, led to a positive outcome. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for PE, even in atypical presentations. It emphasizes the need for clinicians to include PE in the differential diagnosis for sudden collapse, ensuring timely intervention and improved survival rates.

CureusVol. 17(1)
Royal Navy (GB), Arabian Gulf University (BH)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 97%
Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management
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