Complete Resolution of Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Abstract

FOR some time there has been speculation concerning the fate of obstructing material in the pulmonary artery in patients who have sustained massive, nonfatal thromboembolism. Pulmonary embolectomy has been considered¹in such patients to conserve pulmonary function even though the patient's life is not immediately threatened. In the past three years at the Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wis, eight patients with massive pulmonary thromboembolism have been treated. Pulmonary embolectomy was performed or attempted in six of these patients; two patients survived.² The case reports presented here are of the two patients who sustained massive pulmonary embolism, but whose clinical condition was such that pulmonary embolectomy was not indicated. Pulmonary arteriography confirmed the diagnosis in each case. Each patient was subsequently restudied, one at 25 days and the other at 128 days. <h3>Report of Cases</h3><h3>Case 1.—</h3> A 29-year-old male was admitted to the hospital on Sept 18, 1963, complaining