Massive Pulmonary Embolism After C6‐7 Discectomy: Management With Electrical Impedance Tomography

Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life‐threatening condition resulting from the obstruction of the pulmonary arteries, typically caused by thromboembolic material. This case report presents a patient diagnosed with massive PE following cervical hernia surgery, who did not have the usual PE risk factors. Case Presentation A 41‐year‐old female, 1 day after undergoing C6‐7 discectomy, was diagnosed with a massive PE following cardiac arrest. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the presence of a massive PE. After thrombectomy and thrombolysis, treatment was managed using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in the intensive care unit. PEEP titration was employed to optimize ventilation, whereas thrombolytic therapy was administered to improve perfusion. Both interventions were monitored using EIT, and extubation timing was guided by the achievement of adequate ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) matching. The patient was extubated on the sixth day, transferred to the service on the ninth day, and discharged home on the 20th day. Conclusion PE should be considered in any patient presenting with chest pain, respiratory symptoms, and syncope after surgery even in the absence of typical PE risk factors. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolysis, treatment can be optimized, and weaning success may be improved by evaluating (V/Q) matching using bedside EIT in mechanically ventilated patients.