Resolutive pulmonary endarterectomy in a non-compliant patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome

Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) have poor prognosis, and pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is considered the treatment of choice for this condition. We report a case and review the literature of successful PEA for CTEPH due to antiphospholipid syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. The definitive and decisive approach needed to treat this high-risk patient with a history of comorbidity, long-term illness and poor compliance was found with a therapy of PEA.