Haemoptysis and bronchial congestion due to pulmonary vein stenosis after maze procedure

Abstract

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare disease that can cause haemoptysis. Acquired PVS is indicated as a complication associated with cardiac catheter intervention; however, the maze procedure has not been reported to induce PVS. Here, we describe the diagnosis and treatment strategy for the first case of PVS with haemoptysis due to the maze procedure. A 56‐year‐old man who underwent the maze procedure seven years previously was referred for repeated haemoptysis. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed complete occlusion of the left superior pulmonary vein. Bronchoscopy revealed localized bronchial congestion and varices. He was diagnosed with PVS due to the maze procedure, and he underwent catheter‐balloon angioplasty. After treatment, haemoptysis disappeared and bronchial congestion and varices improved. History of cardiac ablation (surgical or catheter intervention) and localized bronchial congestion findings might facilitate the accurate diagnosis of PVS with haemoptysis. Catheter‐balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for PVS.

Keywords

• Bronchial congestion
• haemoptysis
• maze procedure
• pulmonary vein stenosis