Left upper lobectomy for a large incidental simple arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

We present an incidental finding of a large left upper lobe diffuse pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) presenting with cyanosis, exertional shortness of breath, polycythemia, and low peripheral oxygen saturation. PAVMs are mostly diagnosed in symptomatic patients with therapeutic embolization as the first choice of therapy. This young woman had no symptoms but showed signs of hypoxemia, and further investigation revealed a huge central left upper lobe PAVM. A successful upper lobectomy resulted in a quick recovery and immediate return to normal peripheral oxygen saturation levels with no further comorbidity or recurrence during 3 years of current follow-up.

Keywords:

• Arteriovenous malformation
• hypoxemia
• lobectomy
• polycythemia
• thoracotomy

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded in part by the Baylor Health Care System Foundation (Dallas, Texas).

This study was funded in part by the Baylor Health Care System Foundation (Dallas, Texas).