Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis
Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis describes thrombus formation occurring at the site of the pulmonary arterial stump, a complication following lobectomy or pneumonectomy. It is usually discovered as an incidental finding on routine follow-up chest CT scans.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of pulmonary artery stump thrombosis after pneumonectomy is approximately 12% .
Pathology
Is thought to be an in situ thrombus caused by stasis of blood flow . Although the right pulmonary stump is longer than the left postpneumonectomy, which may promote a greater degree of stasis, interestingly studies have been inconclusive regarding whether they occur more commonly on one side or the other .
Treatment and prognosis
Some publications suggest anticoagulation to be considered for convex stump thrombus or a new stump thrombus in the context of declining pulmonary status.
Complications
- pulmonary embolism to contralateral lung, occurring in less than 10% in cases
See also
