Cavitary Pulmonary Infarction in a Case of Pulmonary Embolism after Successful Vascular Recanalization

Cavity formation after pulmonary embolism can be a result of infarction; however, the data available on the incidence rate were obtained from the cases of patients treated with anticoagulation without recanalization. It is yet unknown if interventions like catheter-directed alteplase or thrombectomy reduce the risk of cavity formation. We present an interesting case of a patient who developed pulmonary cavity and possible secondary infection after successful vascular recanalization with catheter-directed alteplase and thrombectomy.