Spontaneous massive hemothorax presenting as a late complication of stent implantation in a patient with pulmonary vein stenosis following radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Catheter ablation for symptomatic and drug-resistant atrial fibrillation is considered as the main acquired cause of pulmonary vein stenosis in adults. Controversy currently exists about the optimal treatment approach of this entity. Stenting seems to achieve lower vessel restenosis rates than isolated balloon angioplasty. However, these techniques are not exempt from complications. We present a case of spontaneous massive haemothorax presenting as a late complication of stent implantation in a patient with pulmonary vein stenosis.