Massive Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism in a Healthy 37-Year-Old Male: A Case of Atypical Presentation

TL;DR

A healthy 37-year-old man experienced a life-threatening pulmonary embolism without typical risk factors, highlighting the need for early diagnosis in atypical cases.

Contribution

This case report highlights the atypical presentation of massive PE in a young, healthy individual with no known risk factors.

Findings

The patient had a massive PE without traditional risk factors such as surgery, immobility, or cancer.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including thrombolysis, led to a positive clinical outcome.

The case emphasizes the importance of considering PE in the differential diagnosis of sudden collapse.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition caused by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries by a blood clot, commonly originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although traditional risk factors include recent surgery, immobility, cancer, or thrombophilia, PE can also occur in patients without these predisposing factors, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. In this case report, we present a 37-year-old Pakistani male with no significant medical history who suffered a massive PE. The patient experienced an initial collapse at home and a second collapse en route to the hospital, necessitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite the absence of conventional risk factors, emergent diagnosis and prompt treatment, including thrombolysis and anticoagulation, led to a positive outcome. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for PE, even in atypical presentations. It emphasizes the need for clinicians to include PE in the differential diagnosis for sudden collapse, ensuring timely intervention and improved survival rates.

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