AUTHOR=Liu Min , Liu Jixiang , Chen Shen , Gao Xiaoyan , Zhong Jinnan , Sun Lu , Li Fajiu , Li Chenghong 

TITLE=Case Report: Ectopic pulmonary embolism as a complication of bronchial artery embolization

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1456360

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2024.1456360

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is currently the first-line treatment for massive hemoptysis. Previous studies have proven its safety and efficacy, with mild, transient, and reversible complications. This case described a patient with congenital multiple bronchopulmonary fistulas who underwent BAE due to massive hemoptysis. However, due to overlooked and misdiagnosed a atypical fistula, the patient experienced ectopic pulmonary embolism and subsequently secondary pulmonary infarction. He eventually exhibited a full postoperative recovery following percutaneous catheter-directed embolectomy. This case revealed a type of occult fistula masked by multiple bronchial artery branches, which may be a potential risk factor for ectopic pulmonary embolism during BAE. We propose that it is crucial to identify abnormal anastomosis especially atypical fistula and select appropriate embolization materials during BAE.