Severe, thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with recurrent pulmonary embolism and right heart thrombi in a patient with past myocardial infarction, cerebral ischaemic stroke and small intestine necrosis

Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a chronic progressive disease of pulmonary circulation characterised by indistinct ethiopathogenesis. We present a case of a 50 year-old male with thrombophilia of unknown origin leading to the formation of multiple thrombi within venous circulation followed by episodes of acute pulmonary embolism resulting ultimately in acute heart failure in the course of developing CTEPH. Unfortunately, despite the wide range of haemostasis laboratory tests we were not able to define the type of coagulation abnormality. Owing to the efficient cooperation between cardiologists and cardiosurgeons it was possible to save patient’s life.
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 1: 61-65