Pulmonary infarction after repair of type B aortic dissection

Abstract

Lung infarction after intrathoracic surgery is a life-threatening complication that needs urgent intervention. Although the exact etiology is not known, pulmonary infarction may be suspected for patients presenting with consolidation of the lung after intrathoracic surgery. We report a very rare case of pulmonary infarction after successful surgical treatment of a type B aortic dissection. The pulmonary infarction was treated by intrapericardial pneumonectomy. This article discusses possible etiology and management of such patients. A high index of clinical suspicion and timely investigations may allow early detection of this unusual event and avoid fatal outcomes.