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May 21, 2026Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal

Pulmonary Embolism Masquerading as Low Back Pain During the Everest Base Camp Trek: A Case Report

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Authors

SYScott W. YoungRegis UniversityTYThomas W. YoungRegis UniversityCMCameron W. MacDonaldRegis University

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Implication

Case report demonstrates successful management of low back pain due to pulmonary embolism during a high altitude trek, indicating potential misdiagnosis implications.

Key Points

  • This case report aims to describe an instance of pulmonary embolism misdiagnosed as low back pain during a high altitude trek.
  • Conducted a standardized clinical examination in a remote setting during the Everest Base Camp trek.
  • Evaluated patient symptoms, including low back pain and low oxygen saturation levels.
  • Coordinated helicopter evacuation for emergency evaluation and further imaging.
  • Radiographs indicated left pleural effusion and elevated D-dimer levels.
  • CT scan confirmed the presence of segmental bilateral pulmonary embolism.
  • Patient recovered fully in the hospital, and symptoms resolved at the 3-month follow-up.

Cite This Study

Young et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0ea15cbe05d6e3efb5ffd0https://doi.org/10.1097/cpt.0000000000000326
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