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Cardiology64 papers

Pulmonary infarction

Last edited: 4/16/2026

Overview

Pulmonary infarction refers to the death of lung tissue due to obstruction of blood supply, often secondary to thromboembolism or vasculopathy. In sickle cell trait, abnormal hemoglobin can predispose individuals to microvascular occlusion leading to infarction 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Unexplained pleuritic chest pain 1
  • Imaging: Chest roentgenograms showing characteristic findings 1
  • Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: Helps confirm mismatch indicative of infarction 1
  • Biopsy: Pleural-parenchymal lung biopsy can definitively diagnose infarction 1

    • Management

  • Anticoagulation: Initiate anticoagulation therapy to prevent further thromboembolic events 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • Pain Management: Use analgesics to control chest pain 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • Supportive Care: Oxygen therapy and monitoring for complications 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion)

    • Special Populations

  • Sickle Cell Trait: Increased vigilance for pulmonary infarction in black subjects with unexplained pulmonary symptoms 1

    • Key Recommendations

  • Consider sickle cell trait in differential diagnosis for black patients presenting with unexplained pulmonary infarction 1 (Evidence: Moderate)
  • Utilize imaging (chest X-ray, V/Q scan) and biopsy for definitive diagnosis 1 (Evidence: Moderate)
  • Implement anticoagulation and supportive care tailored to clinical presentation 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion)

    • References

    1 Israel RH, Salipante JS. Pulmonary infarction in sickle cell trait. The American journal of medicine 1979. link91139-2)

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Pulmonary infarction in sickle cell trait. — Israel RH, Salipante JS The American journal of medicine (1979)
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