Pulmonary vein stenosis with collateralization via esophageal varices: Long-term follow-up after successful treatment with drug-eluting stent

ObjectiveWe describe the long-term follow-up of a child with recurrent hemoptysis due to severe pulmonary vein stenosis decompressing via collaterals to esophageal varices. DesignCase report SettingTertiary children's hospital PatientSingle child through ages 2- to 11-year old InterventionsThe child underwent cutting balloon angioplasty, bare metal stenting, and implantation of a PTFE-covered stent, all of which failed rapidly. Only after placement of a paclitaxel drug eluting stent did he have prolonged relief from hemoptysis and long-term patency of the treated vein. The stents were serially dilated to keep up with somatic growth of the child, eventually culminating in the need to induce intentional stent fracture. ConclusionsWe highlight novel transcatheter techniques to treat this vexing condition, discuss mechanisms of disease treatment and progression, and present the only patient with this rare combination of lesions to have achieved both longstanding pulmonary vein patency and resolution of esophageal varices.