title: Pulmonary thromboembolism in beta-thalassemia intermedia: are we aware of this complication?
abstract: We describe a case of pulmonary thromboembolism in a 61-year-old woman with beta-thalassemia intermedia and no other risk factors for thrombosis. Thromboembolism was documented by perfusion lung scan. We review the literature on this uncommon complication of thalassemia intermedia and discuss the pathogenesis and treatment options. A significant relationship between pulmonary thromboembolism and pulmonary hypertension in these patients was noted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Lebanon. ataher@aub.edu.lb
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taher
authors.forename: Yasser
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Abou-Mourad
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abchee
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zalouaa
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shamseddine
mesh_terms: D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins