Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present a unique case of pulmonary embolism (PE) in an elite-Ironman triathlete and review athlete-specific risk factors associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old male triathlete presented for chiropractic care of midback pain and dyspnea one day before competition. During competition, he was removed and unable to complete the event with dyspnea, chest, and midback pain. Vitals revealed prolonged elevated resting heart rate. He was triaged to the hospital with a high index of suspicion for PE. He was diagnosed with multiple PE in both lungs. SUMMARY: VTE is not normally considered in athletes. A combination of athlete-specific risk factors may predispose athletes to a higher propensity of VTE. Due to life-threatening consequences, it is important to include a differential diagnosis of VTE in patients presenting with midback pain and dyspnea.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 279-286 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association |
Volume | 67 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2023 |
Keywords
- deep vein thrombosis
- endurance sport
- pulmonary embolism
- triathlete
- venous thromboembolism