Abstract

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening condition that can present with a wide range of symptoms, including atypical neurological manifestations such as seizures. We present a case of a previously healthy young adult who was admitted with a first-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizure and was subsequent ly diagnosed with massive pulmonary embolism. Clinical workup revealed hypoxia, tachycardia, and incon clusive brain imaging. Elevated D-dimer prompted computed tomography pulmonary angiography, which revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary arterial embolisms. Treatment with low molecular weight heparin followed by direct oral anticoagulants resulted in significant improvement. Pulmonary embolism rarely pre sents as a new-onset seizure without cardiopulmonary symptoms, complicating the diagnosis. This case un derscores the importance of early suspicion, comprehensive imaging, and multidisciplinary management in patients with atypical seizure presentations accompanied by unexplained hypoxia or tachycardia, as timely intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality.

DOI: doi.org/10.63721/26JAICM0110

To Read or Download the Article  PDF