[Bronchial asthma-like symptoms induced by pulmonary embolism].

Abstract

A 75-year-old woman who lived in a retirement home was admitted to the emergency room of our hospital because of acute respiratory failure with sudden onset of wheezing on awakening. A differential diagnosis of heart failure, showed that she had experienced an attack of bronchial asthma. She was therefore given beta-agonists via inhalation and theophylline and steroids intravenously. Her wheezing decreased but her respiratory failure persisted. Therefore, she was transferred to the intensive care unit and was referred to our department. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of her chest showed pulmonary embolisms involving both lower lung lobes. Moreover, pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy showed defects in both lower lobes. Thus, pulmonary embolism was diagnosed. Subsequently, we started anticoagulant therapy, and her respiratory failure was saved. Pulmonary embolism is known to induce symptoms such as bronchial asthma, although such symptoms are rare.