Bilateral Pulmonary Thromboembolism: An Unusual Presentation of Infection with Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

Abstract

Swine flue is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease caused by a subtype of influenza A virus. Herein we present three patients with H1N1 infection complicated with pulmonary thromboembolism. The patients had chest pain and unexplained dyspnea. Imaging studies showed bilateral hilar predominance. Computed tomographic angiography confirmed bilateral thromboembolism (an unusual presentation of H1N1 infection). We did not find any predisposing factor including endothelial damage, stasis, or hypercoagulable state in these patients. They did not receive any medication. After anticoagulation and treatment with oseltamivir, all the patients were discharged in good condition. To the best of our knowledge bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism has not been reported in English language literature in patients with swine flu infection. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment will be life saving in this condition.