Pulmonary embolism with bilateral pulmonary infarction after surgical correction of Achilles tendon - a rare complication.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal disorder that occurs as a result of a thrombus formed in the deep venous system that detaches and obstructs the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. Herein we report a rare, bilateral PE after surgical correction of the Achilles tendon. To report a bilateral PE after calcaneus tendon repair, and to review the literature on this rare condition. A search of the literature was carried out in electronic databases and a review of medical records. PTE, although rare, is a serious and potentially fatal complication, requiring adequate and early treatment. Pharmacological prophylaxis in these situations is still controversial in the medical literature; however, there is consensus for the use of intermittent pneumatic compression in the postoperative period.