Spontaneous subclavian vein thrombosis — a source of pulmonary embolism in young man manifested by pleural effusion: A case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spontaneous upper­extremity deep venous thrombosis is associated with exercise, occurs in young healthy individuals and can be source of pulmonary embolism. Case Report: This case illustrates a 26­year­old Caucasian, left­handed, healthy man with overlooked subclavian vein thrombosis, which was source of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism manifested with pleural effusion and at the beginning was treated as tuberculous pleuritis. Conclusion: In this case, pulmonary embolism manifested with repeating chest pain due to pleural effusion. Source of embolus was an overlooked left subclavian vein thrombosis. Underlying anatomical abnormalities in this case was adherent first and second ribs, causing compression of the subclavian vein. Incorrect diagnosis at the beginning was the cause of delayed treatment.