[Pulmonary thromboembolism after chronic bladder distention].
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of pulmonary embolism secondary to chronic over-distended bladder, responsible for iliac vein obstruction.


METHODS
A 73-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of pulmonary embolism, confirmed by isotope lung scan, after drainage of 2,300 cc of urine from an over-distended bladder, responsible for bilateral iliac vein obstruction and a bilateral obstructive uropathy. The patient had a favourable course after anticoagulation with heparin and temporary bladder catheterization, leading to resolution of the peripheral oedema and obstructive uropathy.


CONCLUSIONS
About thirty cases of obstruction of large pelvic vessels due to over-distended bladder have been reported to date. However, and after an extensive review of the literature, this case appears to be the first report of pulmonary embolism secondary to chronic over-distended bladder.
Sousa Escandon
M A
MA
Servicio de Urologia, Hospital Comarcal de Monforte, 27400 Monforte de Lemos, Lugo, Espagne. a-sousa@yupimail.com
Alejandro
M
M
Garcia Figueiras
R
R
Armesto Fernandez
M
M
Golpe Gomez
R
R
Mateos Colino
A
A
Vazquez Pedreda
M L
ML
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000150:complications*