title: Postoperative Massive Pulmonary Embolism Due to Superficial Vein Thrombosis of the Upper Limb.
abstract: It is well known that deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremities is linked to high morbidity/mortality, resulting in 12-20% of all documented pulmonary embolism; however, there are few data about thromboembolism originating from a vein and/or a branch of a superficial vein of the upper extremities. Pulmonary embolism secondary to upper limb superficial vein thrombosis (not combined with upper extremities deep vein thrombosis) is a very rare clinical manifestation with few cases reported in the literature. We report a rare case of thrombophlebitis in departure from a superficial branch of the cephalic vein of the right arm, complicated by cardiac arrest secondary to a massive pulmonary embolism in a patient who underwent major surgery for ovarian cancer. We discuss on the numerous thrombotic risk factors, triggering a cascade of reactions and resulting in a potential fatal clinical manifestation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Endoscopy and Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cascella
authors.affiliation: Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Endoscopy and Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Viscardi
authors.affiliation: Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Endoscopy and Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bifulco
authors.affiliation: Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Endoscopy and Cardiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cuomo
keywords: Deep venous thrombosis; Pulmonary embolism; Pulseless electrical activity; Superficial vein; Thrombosis; Upper extremities