Exertional hypoxia in a healthy adult: a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Issue 10 (23rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keinath, Kyle; Vaughn, Megan; Cole, Nathan; Gentry, Shari
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 10(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-23
• Subjects: radiology -- respiratory medicine; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-231981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are a rare cause of pulmonary symptoms, including dyspnoea on exertion, hypoxemia and haemoptysis. PAVMs are an aetiology that is often overlooked by physicians when developing a differential diagnosis for pulmonary symptoms and unidentified lung masses. However, it is an important differential diagnosis to have as PAVMs can have serious sequelae including strokes, brain abscess and life-threatening bleeding. We present a case of an impressive PAVM presenting with chest pain, chronic cough, feelings of anxiety, mild resting hypoxemia and exertional hypoxemia. Of note, on previous chest X-ray, 8 years prior to presentation, an incidental mass was found during a shoulder repair presurgical workup but not further evaluated.