Chest radiotherapy after left upper lobectomy may be a risk factor for thrombosis in the pulmonary vein stump

Background Thrombosis in the pulmonary vein stump (PVS) is not a well-known complication after pulmonary lobectomy, but it has the potential to cause embolism to vital organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for thrombosis in the PVS after pulmonary lobectomy. Methods A total of 439 patients who underwent pulmonary lobectomy from 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed, and 412 patients were further analyzed. The state of the PVS was evaluated by chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors for thrombosis in the PVS. Results Thrombosis in the PVS was detected in 6 of 412 (1.5%) patients, and 5 of them underwent left upper lobectomy (LUL) (5/100, 5.0%) (P = 0.004). In the analyses of the LUL group, postoperative chest radiotherapy was identified as a risk factor for thrombosis in the PVS (P = 0.024), and postoperative atrial fibrillation showed a tendency to be a risk factor for thrombosis (P = 0.058). Conclusions Chest radiotherapy after LUL is a possible risk factor for thrombosis in the PVS. Periodic chest CECT is recommended after postoperative chest radiotherapy for patients after LUL.