Serendipitous discovery and embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations as a lifesaving procedure in a patient with pulmonary emboli.

A patient--with a history of postlaparoscopic deep venous thrombosis and rectus abdominis hematoma--experienced sudden respiratory decompensation requiring mechanical ventilation at an FIO2 of 100%. Initial PaO2 was 32 mm Hg. Pulmonary angiography revealed three unexpected pulmonary arteriovenous malformations as well as pulmonary emboli. Two pulmonary arteriovenous malformations were successfully embolized, and an inferior vena cava filter placed. The PaO2 immediately after the procedure was 458.4 mm Hg.