OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pulmonary embolism secondary to chronic over-distended bladder, responsible for iliac vein obstruction. CLINICAL CASE: A 73-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of pulmonary embolism, confirmed by isotope lung scan, after drainage of 2,300 cc of urine from an over-distended bladder, responsible for bilateral iliac vein obstruction and a bilateral obstructive uropathy. The patient had a favourable course after anticoagulation with heparin and temporary bladder catheterization, leading to resolution of the peripheral oedema and obstructive uropathy. CONCLUSION: About thirty cases of obstruction of large pelvic vessels due to over-distended bladder have been reported to date. However, and after an extensive review of the literature, this case appears to be the first report of pulmonary embolism secondary to chronic over-distended bladder.
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of pulmonary embolism secondary to chronic over-distended bladder, responsible for iliac vein obstruction. CLINICAL CASE: A 73-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of pulmonary embolism, confirmed by isotope lung scan, after drainage of 2,300 cc of urine from an over-distended bladder, responsible for bilateral iliac vein obstruction and a bilateral obstructive uropathy. The patient had a favourable course after anticoagulation with heparin and temporary bladder catheterization, leading to resolution of the peripheral oedema and obstructive uropathy. CONCLUSION: About thirty cases of obstruction of large pelvic vessels due to over-distended bladder have been reported to date. However, and after an extensive review of the literature, this case appears to be the first report of pulmonary embolism secondary to chronic over-distended bladder.