Alteration in pulmonary perfusion due to iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis: A mimicker of pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Iatrogenic pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a known, yet rare, complication of atrial radiofrequency ablation. Alterations in pulmonary perfusion may mimic massive pulmonary embolism on a ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy. This is particularly important due to the overlap in presenting clinical symptoms. The present case illustrates the functional significance of PVS and the changes in perfusion in response to angioplasty.

Keywords

• pulmonary embolism
• pulmonary perfusion
• pulmonary vein stenosis
• radiofrequency ablation
• v/q scan