Key result
Balloon angioplasty resolves severe pulmonary vein stenosis and associated massive pleural effusion.
Why the study?
Pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation can present with nonspecific findings and delayed onset, complicating diagnosis and management.
Case Report (n=1)
Pulmonary vein stenosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with unexplained pulmonary infiltrates or massive pleural effusion after radiofrequency catheter ablation, as early recognition and balloon angioplasty can be curative.
May prompt stenosis evaluation in post-ablation effusions; leaves open prospective validation of angioplasty efficacy.
We report a rare case of pulmonary vein stenosis ( PVS ) presenting with massive pleural effusion 5 months after radiofrequency catheter ablation ( RFCA ) for atrial fibrillation. A 58‐year‐old woman developed persistent fever, cough, and left lower lobe consolidation with a large pleural effusion. Initial antibiotic therapy was ineffective. Three‐dimensional computed tomography ( 3D ‐ CT ) revealed severe stenosis of the left inferior pulmonary vein. Following balloon angioplasty, both pulmonary consolidation and pleural effusion resolved. Because PVS may present with nonspecific findings and delayed onset, it should be considered in patients with unexplained pulmonary infiltrates or pleural effusion after RFCA .
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nikaido et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Pulmonary vein stenosis (n=1). Balloon angioplasty was evaluated on Resolution of pulmonary consolidation and pleural effusion. Balloon angioplasty successfully treated severe pulmonary vein stenosis and resulted in the resolution of associated massive pleural effusion and consolidation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: