Catheter-induced pulmonary artery rupture: haemodynamic compromise necessitates surgical repair.
Pulmonary artery haemorrhage is thankfully a very rare complication following pulmonary artery catheter insertion. It carries a significant mortality of 50%, and most cases are managed conservatively or with embolization therapy. We present an occult case, in which a patient presented with haemodynamic compromise without haemoptysis or significant haemothorax, who required surgical intervention. We discuss surgical treatment management options and the need for a high index of clinical suspicion to prevent mortality from this condition.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK. karen_booth@btopenworld.com
Karen Lynsey
KL
Booth
Gavin
G
Mercer-Smith
Chris
C
McConkey
Haralabos
H
Parissis
D000368:Aged; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods*; D012421:Rupture; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D057772:Vascular System Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*