The life of a 24-year-old woman from Novosibirsk was saved after a rare disease caused multiple blood clots in the lungs. This outcome was reported by irk.aif.ru.
Her doctors were initially consulted for repeated miscarriages. After a second miscarriage, she was prescribed blood thinners, but adherence was inconsistent. In 2021 she contracted COVID-19, and shortly after began to suffer severe leg pain, shortness of breath, and two episodes of severe pneumonia.
Early on, the medical team considered cancer or tuberculosis when examining the lung changes visible on X-rays. The patient’s condition deteriorated with chest pain on breathing, coughing up blood, and episodes of suffocation. By 2023, professionals suspected chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This condition can lead to respiratory failure as clots obstruct the pulmonary arteries, and the five-year survival rate without surgical intervention is under 40%.
Clinicians at the National Medical Research Center named after Academician EN Meshaalkin in Novosibirsk successfully removed the clots through surgery. The center has performed thrombectomy for pulmonary hypertension for more than two decades, carrying out about 40 procedures each year.
In this case, clots filled nearly all of the lung vessels, placing a heavy load on the heart. The eight-hour operation was followed by postoperative care including medications to prevent further clot formation. With proper treatment, the patient and her team remain hopeful that she will be able to pursue her dream of motherhood again in the years ahead.
Experts note that migraines in young women can be associated with a higher stroke risk. Clinical data indicate that women who experience migraines may have a significantly increased likelihood of cerebrovascular events, underscoring the importance of proactive cardiovascular assessment for those with recurrent neurological symptoms.
In the broader context, targeted anticoagulation and timely surgical intervention can dramatically improve outcomes for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Medical teams emphasize ongoing monitoring, risk stratification, and coordinated care to optimize both survival and quality of life for those affected.
Overall, this case highlights how swift diagnosis, advanced surgical options, and comprehensive postoperative management can turn a life-threatening situation into a story of recovery and renewed potential for family planning and daily living. The findings reinforce the need for heightened awareness of pulmonary vascular diseases among young patients, particularly when recurring pregnancy losses, respiratory symptoms, and unexplained chest pain are present. Future research and clinical practice continue to seek ways to improve early detection, refine surgical techniques, and expand access to specialized centers for patients facing similar conditions.