Massive Pulmonary Embolism in a Varsity Athlete

In brief: Pulmonary embolism in young adults is rare and is usually associated with trauma or underlying illness. Effort thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, usually after strenuous or repetitious exercise. The majority of cases are acute, and the diagnosis is evident. The authors report a case of pulmonary embolism in a healthy, young, varsity football player whose symptoms were chronic and suggestive of bronchitis. The case is presented to emphasize the need to consider this diagnosis in athletes with persistent respiratory symptoms.