Pulmonary vein thrombosis in COVID-19 patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case report

Pulmonary vein thrombosis is a rare condition with a non-specific presentation with multiple underlying etiologies such as malignancy or lung surgery. In rare instances, no etiology could be encountered. Instead, it has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, from dyspnea to lung infarction with a compromise to hemodynamics.

A 71 years old male with a history of shortness of breath. The patient tested positive for COVID-19; the prolonged exertional fatigue led to undergoing CTPA (CT pulmonary angiography), which revealed pulmonary vein thrombosis. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion in the absence of other possible diagnoses. Furthermore, diagnostic work-up and treatment strategies depend highly on the patient’s presentation and risk factors.

Pulmonary vein thrombosis is an infrequent entity reported in the medical literature and underdiagnosed because of its ambiguous presentation. Early diagnosis is paramount to prevent complications.