Acute pulmonary embolism after removal of central venous catheter

Abstract

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a lethal entity with a mortality ranging from 45% to 91% [1,2]. The main predisposing factor to acute PE is venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Emboli may obstruct major or several peripheral pulmonary artery branches with severe hemodynamic compromise, thus representing a life-threatening complication. Other conditions may lead to intravenous thrombus eventually leading to acute PE. We describe a case of acute PE originating from thrombi attached to the central venous infusion lines in a patient submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting.