Case Report
Volume: 6 | Issue: 4 | Published: Apr 27, 2022 | Pages: 58 - 63 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1638855099
Pulmonary embolism in iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome: a case report
Authors: May Thu Kyaw , May Thu Kyaw , May Thu Kyaw , May Thu Kyaw , May Thu Kyaw , May Thu Kyaw , May Thu Kyaw
Article Info
Authors
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
May Thu Kyaw
Heart and Vascular Centre, Victoria Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
Publication History
Received: December 07, 2021
Revised: March 19, 2022
Accepted: March 19, 2022
Published: April 27, 2022
Abstract
Background: Patients with Cushing's syndrome have an increased risk of thrombosis due to acquired hypercoagulability. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old obese female, with underlying iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS), presented with a sudden onset of dyspnea and circulatory collapse. Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram confirmed acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE). She showed marked improvement after treatment with anticoagulation. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the clinical presentations and pathophysiology of Cushing's syndrome (CS). CS patients are prone to thrombosis due to disturbance in all three components of Virchow's triad. PE is one of the leading causes of mortality in CS. Clinicians should be aware of this serious, but less recognized, complication when a patient with CS presents with acute circulatory collapse. Anticoagulants remain the mainstay of treatment in ICS complicated by PE.
Keywords: Cushing's syndrome, corticosteroids, thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, anticoagulation, case report, green
