A case of pulmonary vein thrombosis with transient ischemic attacks diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Abstract

Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is rarer than pulmonary artery thrombosis (PAT). PVT is potentially fatal but is often overlooked due to its nonspecific symptoms. We present a case with PVT accompanied by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The symptoms were limited to transient ischemic attacks. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), which showed a thrombus in the right pulmonary vein trunk, was useful in diagnosing PVT. After switching the patient's anticoagulant from dabigatran etexilate to apixaban, the thrombus disappeared within 5 months. Contrast-enhanced CT is a useful and common tool for diagnosis and follow-up of PVT.