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Lee, Lee, Park, Zeon, Lim, Song, Na, and Kim: A Case of Spontaneous Remission of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Case Report
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2012; 72(2): 232-235.

Published online: 29 February 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2012.72.2.232

A Case of Spontaneous Remission of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Jae Joon Lee, M.D.1, Min Ji Lee, M.D.1, Hyo Park, M.D.1, Seok Jae Zeon, M.D.1, Young Min Lim, M.D.2, Sang Hee Song, M.D.2, Dong Jib Na, M.D., Ph.D.2, Eun Jin Kim, M.D.2

1Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.

2Department of Internal Medicine, Gumi CHA Hospital, CHA University College of Medicine, Gumi, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Dong Jib Na, M.D., Ph.D. Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Gumi CHA Hospital, CHA University College of Medicine, Hyeonggok 1-dong, Gumi 730-728, Korea. Phone: 82-54-450-9542, Fax: 82-54-450-9798, djna13@gmail.com

Received 27 September 2011       Revised 7 October 2011       Accepted 25 October 2011

Copyright © 2012. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) ranges from asymptomatic to often fatal, incidentally discovered emboli to massive embolism causing immediate death. Acute PE may occur rapidly and unpredictably and may be difficult to diagnose. Mortality and complications can be reduced by prompt diagnosis and therapy. Untreated PE is associated with a mortality rate of approximately 30 percents. Most patients with PE have endogenous fibrinolysis, although it is not effective enough to prevent PE. A case of spontaneous remission of untreated acute PE has not previously been reported. Here we present a case of spontaneously resolved acute PE without any treatment.

Keywords: Pulmonary Embolism, Remission, Spontaneous, Fibrinolysis

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Chest AP on ER shows multiple patch consolidations in right lung. AP: anteroposterior; ER: emergency room.
trd-72-232-g001
Figure 2
Chest CT scan shows filling defects in pulmonary artery of right lower lung (arrow). CT: computed tomography.
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Figure 3
Chest CT scan two months later shows disappeared filling defects in pulmonary artery of right lower lung (arrow). CT: computed tomography.
trd-72-232-g003

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