Thrombotic Challenges at High Altitude: A Case Report of Cerebral, Pulmonary, and Ventricular Thrombosis in a 21-Year-Old.

Abstract

BACKGROUND At high altitude, reduced oxygen pressure and compensatory physiological mechanisms lead to increased blood viscosity and edema. This report describes the case of a 21-year-old man working at high altitude for 3 days who developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and right ventricular thrombosis. CASE REPORT A 21-year-old man developed sore throat, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea on the 3rd day after rapidly ascending to a high altitude. After 3 days of anti-infective treatment with minimal effect, he experienced headache, seizures, dizziness, and blurred vision on the 7th day. He was ultimately diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) complicated by pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and right ventricular thrombosis. After 6 months of treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin, his prognosis was good. CONCLUSIONS This report shows the rapid progression of multiple thrombotic events at high altitude and the approaches to diagnosis and management.