Symptomatic acute pulmonary embolism despite thromboprophylaxis after simultaneous total knee arthroplasty: Case report in an Indian female

Abstract

Symptomatic acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in a post-operative orthopaedic condition is a medical emergency with grave prognosis if left undetected. Simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) need prior identification and risk assessment. A prophylactic thromboprophylaxis expectedly reduces the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and PE. We report a 52-year old obese Indian female who underwent simultaneous TKA with standard operating protocol. Peri-operative mechanical and chemo-thromboprophylaxis was given with no evidence of DVT. Acute PE presented on 3rd post-operative day with an episode of breathlessness, chest pain and desaturation. A positive computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and high D-dimer levels were conclusive. Management with therapeutic anticoagulant therapy was done. No late mortality occurred. Return to her activities of daily living with improved knee scores was the desired outcome.Simultaneous TKA in patient with a high body mass index should receive prophylactic thromboprophylaxis. Pre-operative risk stratification in TKA with a high index of suspicion in postoperative period are necessary steps to identify and manage a potentially fatal acute PE.