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Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Presenting With Massive Pleural Effusion: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We report a rare case of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) presenting with massive pleural effusion 5 months after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation. A 58-year-old woman developed persistent fever, cough, and left lower lobe consolidation with a large pleural effusion. Initial antibiotic therapy was ineffective. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) revealed severe stenosis of the left inferior pulmonary vein. Following balloon angioplasty, both pulmonary consolidation and pleural effusion resolved. Because PVS may present with nonspecific findings and delayed onset, it should be considered in patients with unexplained pulmonary infiltrates or pleural effusion after RFCA.

Source: Respirology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70770