ABSTRACT
The purpose of this case presentation is to discuss right upper quadrant pain as an atypical presenting symptom in pulmonary infarction and review the typical computed tomography (CT) imaging features of pulmonary infarction to improve diagnostic accuracy. Pulmonary infarction results from occlusion of distal arterial vasculature within the lung parenchyma leading to ischemia, hemorrhage, and ultimately necrosis. Patients with lung infarction typically present with pleuritic chest pain and may have associated signs or symptoms of pulmonary thromboembolism or deep vein thrombosis. In this case study, a 34-yr-old female devoid of any symptoms indicative of either pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis presented with right upper quadrant pain 1 mo status post open reduction internal fixation for a left ankle fracture. Multiple clinic visits spanning approximately 7 d were significant for a right lower lobe opacity seen on CT of the abdomen which was presumed to represent community acquired pneumonia as a source for the patient's RUQ pain. The patient presented to the emergency department 1 wk later (6 wk following her initial surgery) complaining of left lower extremity swelling and was subsequently diagnosed with a left lower extremity DVT via ultrasound. CT of the pulmonary arteries was negative for PE but identified a right lower lobe opacity which in retrospect was consistent with pulmonary infarction.
Subject(s)
Pulmonary Infarction/complications , Venous Thrombosis/diagnostic imaging , Abdominal Pain/diagnostic imaging , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Adult , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Pulmonary Infarction/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Ultrasonography/methods , Venous Thrombosis/complications , Venous Thrombosis/diagnosisABSTRACT
Aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery are rare vascular entities, producing a focal soft tissue mass in the dorsal foot. A case of dorsalis pedis aneurysm is reported, illustrating the utility of ultrasound as the key imaging modality for prompt, accurate diagnosis.