Pulmonary embolism presenting as syncope in paraplegia: A case report
Journal
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Journal Volume
76
Journal Issue
4
Pages
387-390
Date Issued
1995
Author(s)
Abstract
Syncope as an initial presentation of pulmonary embolism is unusual. A 16-year-old girl, with T7 paraplegia after a traumatic spinal cord injury, developed syncope on the 33rd hospital day. The episode occurred approximately 3 hours after her first tilting table training and just after her attendant had assisted passive range-of-motion exercise. Subsequent studies showed pulmonary embolism at the left lower branch of the left pulmonary artery, and the branch to lower segment of the lingual lobe. Doctors should be alert to possible diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in such high-risk patients, especially when new onset symptoms or signs appear.
SDGs
Type
journal article