Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Superficial Femoral Vein Aneurysm

Abstract

Venous aneurysms (VA), particularly superficial femoral VAs (SFVAs), are rare vascular lesions. A 65-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary embolism (PE), treated with tissue plasminogen activator and oral anticoagulation, was admitted to hospital for dyspnea. Enhanced computed tomography showed recurrent PE and right SFVA with a mural thrombus. The SFVA was not identified during the first PE. The PE was not massive and was treated with direct oral anticoagulants. The thrombus in the SFVA caused the PE, and surgical repair was performed to prevent further embolic events. Under general anesthesia, the SFVA was excised, and direct anastomosis was performed. PE recurrence, venous aneurysmal changes, and thrombosis were not noted at the 1-year follow-up.

Keywords: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT); Pulmonary Embolism (PE); Superficial Femoral Vein Aneurysm (SFVA).