Case Report: Ectopic pulmonary embolism as a complication of bronchial artery embolization

Min Liu; Jixiang Liu; Shen Chen; Xiaoyan Gao; Jinnan Zhong; Lu Sun; Fajiu Li; Chenghong Li; Chenghong Li

doi:10.3389/fcvm.2024.1456360

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (Sep 2024)

Case Report: Ectopic pulmonary embolism as a complication of bronchial artery embolization

Min Liu,
Jixiang Liu,
Shen Chen,
Xiaoyan Gao,
Jinnan Zhong,
Lu Sun,
Fajiu Li,
Chenghong Li,
Chenghong Li

Affiliations

Min Liu: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
Jixiang Liu: National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
Shen Chen: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
Xiaoyan Gao: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
Jinnan Zhong: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
Lu Sun: National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
Fajiu Li: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
Chenghong Li: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
Chenghong Li: Institute of Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1456360
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is currently the first-line treatment for massive hemoptysis. Previous studies have proven its safety and efficacy, with mild, transient, and reversible complications. This case described a patient with congenital multiple bronchopulmonary fistulas who underwent BAE due to massive hemoptysis. However, due to an overlooked and misdiagnosed atypical fistula, the patient experienced an ectopic pulmonary embolism and subsequently secondary pulmonary infarction. He eventually exhibited a full postoperative recovery following percutaneous catheter-directed embolectomy. This case revealed a type of occult fistula masked by multiple bronchial artery branches, which may be a potential risk factor for an ectopic pulmonary embolism during BAE. We propose that it is crucial to identify abnormal anastomosis, especially atypical fistula, and select appropriate embolization materials during BAE.

Published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

ISSN: 2297-055X (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine

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Abstract

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