Pulmonary embolism associated with the act of defecation. “The bed pan syndrome”

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are common events in a clinical setting. These events often lead to morbidity and mortality and although preventative measures have been instituted, these events occur regularly. In autopsy based studies pulmonary embolism accounts for 1.25% to 10.88% of all cause of death.1,2 In most of these deaths, deep vein thrombosis might have heralded the fatal event of pulmonary embolism which clinically presents with swelling and discomfort of limbs, chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. Pulmonary embolism associated with the act of defecation is seldom reported in the literature.3 This mode of presentation of pulmonary embolism is often fatal and physicians should be aware of this clinical sign of pulmonary embolism.