JOPIC
Journal of Pulmonology and Intensive Care

The JoPIC is an independent-unbiased, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal of current national and international issues and reviews for original clinical and experimental research, interesting case reports, surgical techniques, differential diagnoses, editorial opinions, letters to the editor, and educational papers in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, occupational diseases, allergology, and intensive care medicine.

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Case Report
Thromboembolic complication of nephrotic syndrome: a case of pulmonary embolism
Abstract
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a frequently encountered, difficult-to-diagnose condition with high mortality. While many risk factors such as lower extremity fractures, myocardial infarction, immobilization, and malignancy are well known, nephrotic syndrome remains a rare secondary risk factor. A 28-year-old male patient, hospitalized with a preliminary diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, developed sudden-onset chest pain and dyspnea on the second day of admission. Although hemodynamically stable, his chest X-ray revealed increased opacity in the right lower zone, suggestive of pulmonary infarction. Elevated D-dimer levels and right heart dilatation detected by bedside echocardiography supported the suspicion of PTE, prompting the initiation of anticoagulant therapy. Pulmonary CT angiography (CTPA) confirmed acute thrombi in the right pulmonary artery and its branches along with infarct areas. This case highlights the rare coexistence of nephrotic syndrome and acute PTE in a young adult, emphasizing the importance of recognizing radiological signs and the need for awareness regarding prophylactic anticoagulation in such patients.

Keywords : Nephrotic syndrome, membranous nephropathy, pulmonary thromboembolism, venous thromboembolism, young adult

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 2, 2025
Page : 40-43
https://doi.org/10.51271/JOPIC-0055
Article Information
Received : 23 Nis 2025
Accepted : 27 May 2025
Published : 29 May 2025
Corresponding Author :

Sümeyra Altan Çotur: Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Altan Çotur S, Doğan D, Günay E, Ayerden Erbinç F. Thromboembolic complication of nephrotic syndrome: a case of pulmonary embolism. J Pulmonol Intens Care. 2025;3(2):40-43.

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