Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare yet curable cause of pulmonary hypertension from unresolved pulmonary emboli. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with progressive dyspnea and leg swelling, who was found to have bilateral pulmonary emboli with right heart strain. He developed cardiac arrest during thrombectomy, requiring emergent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO). Further evaluation revealed acute emboli superimposed on CTEPH. After incomplete thrombectomy and persistent instability, he underwent successful pulmonary endarterectomy with ECMO decannulation, leading to recovery of right ventricular function and discharge in stable condition. This case illustrates that previously unrecognized CTEPH may present as catastrophic massive pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest and that early extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be lifesaving and facilitate definitive curative surgery.
Recommended Citation
Ramos, Kenzo and Gorder, Kari
(2026)
"Extracorporeal Rescue in Massive Pulmonary Embolism: A Case of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Unveiled,"
Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics: Vol. 2(2)
:e2026227
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58464/2836-0605.1064
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/josh/vol2/iss2/7
Included in
Cardiology Commons, Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology Commons, Critical Care Commons, Pulmonology Commons