Unveiling the Impostor: Pulmonary Embolism Presenting as Pneumonia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Main Article Content

Saahil Kumar
Karuna Sree Alwa
Mahesh Babu Vemuri
Anumola Gandhi Ganesh Gupta
Nuthan Vallapudasu
Sunitha Geddada

Abstract

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) can present with symptoms resembling pneumonia, creating a diagnostic challenge, particularly in patients with comorbidities. We report the case of a 67-year-old male who presented with cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, fever, and pedal edema. Initially diagnosed with consolidation based on chest X-ray findings, he was treated with antibiotics. However, persistent symptoms prompted further evaluation, leading to the diagnosis of PE with pulmonary infarction and deep vein thrombosis on computed tomography pulmonary angiography and Doppler ultrasound. This case highlights the need to consider PE in the differential diagnosis of consolidation, particularly in high-risk individuals, to avoid delays in appropriate management.

Article Details

Kumar, S., Alwa, K. S., Vemuri, M. B., Ganesh Gupta, A. G., Vallapudasu, N., & Geddada, S. (2025). Unveiling the Impostor: Pulmonary Embolism Presenting as Pneumonia: A Case Report and Literature Review. Journal of Pulmonology and Respiratory Research, 001–005. https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jprr.1001065
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