Late-Onset Pulmonary Artery Stump Thrombosis 13 Years After Lobectomy: A Case Report

Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis (PAST) is a rare complication that forms after partial or complete resection of the lung. It involves the formation of a blood clot at the ligated end of the pulmonary artery, which forms due to stasis in the residual vessel. We report a case of PAST in an 83-year-old male lung cancer survivor, status post right middle and lower lobectomy in 2012, who presented with symptoms of generalized weakness and repeated falls. PCR tests were positive for rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus, and he was started on prednisone. A CT scan of the chest showed thrombosis at the ligated right pulmonary artery. The patient was administered a therapeutic dose of enoxaparin (Lovenox) and was discharged two days later. Despite presenting with certain risk factors, the patient was not discharged with anticoagulation medication.