Pulmonary embolism and in situ pulmonary artery thrombosis in paediatrics

Characteristics and Outcomes of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia Associated with Pulmonary Embolism and Necrotizing Pneumonia in Children

Purpose

To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment, and long-term prognosis of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) combined with pulmonary embolism (PE) in children.

Patients and Methods

The medical records of 16 children who were diagnosed with MPP associated with PE between January 2016 and January 2023 at Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The average age patients were 8.24 ± 1.99 years. All cases were diagnosed with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) and presented complications in the form of necrotizing pneumonia (NP). The main symptoms observed were cough and fever (n = 16, 100%), chest pain (n = 8, 50%), dyspnea (n = 8, 50%), and hemoptysis (n = 4, 25%). In these cases, 12 patients had involvement of the pulmonary artery, 3 patients experienced issues with the pulmonary vein, and 1 patient had simultaneous involvement of both the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein. Among the 12 pulmonary artery embolism cases, 6 involved the right pulmonary artery, 4 involved the left pulmonary artery, and 2 involved both the right and left pulmonary arteries. The mean D-dimer level was 8.50 ± 4.76 mg/L. All patients received anticoagulant therapy, and after treatment, there was a significant improvement in their symptoms and lung lesions.

Conclusion

Children with RMPP, chest pain, hemoptysis, and elevated D-dimer levels should be closely monitored for the potential development of PE. The co-occurrence of MPP and PE often involves the presence of NP. In cases of confirmed PE, anticoagulation therapy may be a suitable consideration. PE and NP resulting from MPP generally had a favorable overall prognosis.

Pediatric pulmonary thromboembolism: a 3-year Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program study

BACKGROUND

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare event associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Awareness of clinical presentation and practices unique to children may aid clinicians in prompt identification and treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic practices, and short-term outcomes of pediatric PE.

METHODS

We conducted a 3-year national surveillance study through the Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program. Over 2800 pediatric specialists and subspecialists were contacted monthly from 2020 to 2022 and requested to report all new cases of PE in patients up to 18 years of age. Case-specific data were obtained through voluntary completion of a detailed questionnaire.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight cases (78% female, n = 45) were reported (2.4 cases per million children), with rates highest in adolescents 15 to 18 years (6.6 cases per million). Detailed information, available for 31 (53%) cases, documented at least 1 risk factor in 28 (90%) cases; 24 (77%) patients presented with 2 or more symptoms. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography was used for diagnostic confirmation in 25 (81%) cases. Anticoagulation was initiated in 24 (77%) of 31 cases; fewer than 5 patients underwent thrombolysis or surgical interventions. Of 28 patients who received therapeutic interventions, 8 (29%) experienced treatment-related complications. Fewer than 5 mortalities were reported.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric PE is a rare event, with female adolescents at the highest risk. Although the presentation is often nonspecific, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients with risk factors and when other diagnoses that may explain symptoms have been excluded.

Considerations for instituting pediatric pulmonary embolism response teams: A tool kit

The incidence of pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) has increased by 200 % in the last decade, but at a single center, it is still infrequent. Given the unique epidemiologic features of pediatric PE, diagnosis is often delayed, and the management is empiric, based on individual physician experience or preference. Thus, there is a strong need for center-specific uniform management of pediatric PE patients. In adults, the development of pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) or PE critical care pathways has shortened the time to diagnosis and the initiation of definitive management. Evidence to support an improvement in PE outcomes after the development of PERTs does not exist in children. Nonetheless, we have summarized the practical practice guidelines that physicians and institutions can adopt to establish their institutional PERTs or critical pathways. We also provide strategies for resource-challenged institutions for partnering with centers with expertise in the management of pediatric PE.

Incidence, Management, and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism at Tertiary Pediatric Hospitals in the United States

Background

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare and potentially life-threatening. Though thrombolysis and thrombectomy are increasingly used in adult PE, trends in pediatric treatment and outcomes remain incompletely described.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of PE, proportion of cases treated with anticoagulation alone, systemic thrombolysis, and directed therapy (local thrombolysis and thrombectomy), clinical outcomes, and total costs.

Methods

A multicenter observational study was performed using administrative data from the Pediatric Health Information System database to study PE treated at U.S. pediatric hospitals from 2015 to 2021. Outcomes by treatment were evaluated using multivariable generalized linear mixed effects models.

Results

Of 3,136 subjects, 70% were at least 12 years of age, and 46% were male. Sixty-two percent had at least 1 comorbidity, and congenital heart disease of any kind was the most prevalent (20%). Eighty-eight percent of subjects received anticoagulation alone, 7% received systemic thrombolysis, and 5% received directed therapy. Overall in-hospital mortality was 7.5%. Treatment approach did not change over time (P = 0.98). After adjusting for patient characteristics, directed therapy was associated with a lower risk of mortality (adjusted percentage -3%, [95% CI: -5% to 0%]) than anticoagulation alone. Systemic thrombolysis was associated with a greater total cost of hospitalization ($113,043 greater [95% CI: $62,866, $163,219]). Length of hospital stay did not differ by treatment.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with PE have a high incidence of underlying chronic disease. Anticoagulation alone remains the mainstay of treatment, with thrombolysis and thrombectomy rarely being used. Given the relative rarity of pediatric PE, additional research requiring innovative study designs is paramount.

Long-term outcomes of pulmonary embolism in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT

Knowledge regarding the long-term consequences of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children is limited. This cohort study describes the long-term outcomes of PE in children who were followed-up at a single-center institution using a local protocol that included clinical evaluation, chest imaging, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests at follow-up, starting 3 to 6 months after acute PE. Children objectively diagnosed with PE at age 0 to 18 years, who had ≥6 months of follow-up were included. Study outcomes consisted of PE resolution, PE recurrence, death, and functional outcomes (dyspnea, impaired pulmonary or cardiac function, impaired aerobic capacity, and post-PE syndrome). The frequency of outcomes was compared between patients with/without underlying conditions. In total, 150 patients were included; median age at PE was 16 years (25th-75th percentile, 14-17 years); 61% had underlying conditions. PE did not resolve in 29%, recurrence happened in 9%, and death in 5%. One-third of patients had at least 1 documented abnormal functional finding at follow-up (ventilatory impairments, 31%; impaired aerobic capacity, 31%; dyspnea, 26%; and abnormal diffusing capacity of the lungs to carbon monoxide, 22%). Most abnormalities were transient. When alternative explanations for the impairments were considered, the frequency of post-PE syndrome was lower, ranging between 0.7% and 8.5%. Patients with underlying conditions had significantly higher recurrence, more pulmonary function and ventilatory impairments, and poorer exercise capacity. Exercise intolerance was, in turn, most frequently because of deconditioning than to respiratory or cardiac limitation, highlighting the importance of physical activity promotion in children with PE.

Case Report: In situ pulmonary artery thrombosis in a 12-year-old girl classified as systemic lupus erythematosus

In situ pulmonary artery thrombosis (ISPAT) is a relatively rare but potentially life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with fever, chest pain, and dyspnea. Immune thrombocytopenia was identified due to purpura and menorrhagia 3 months before presentation with a lowest platelet count of 12 × 109/L. The sudden onset of fever, chest pain, and dyspnea were misdiagnosed as hyperinflammatory responses caused by pneumonia; these symptoms ameliorated with glucocorticoid and antibiotic treatment. The reappearance of symptoms after dose reduction of glucocorticoids and the observation of bloody bronchoalveolar lavage fluid necessitated further evaluation. Pulmonary artery thrombosis/embolism was identified using computed tomography pulmonary angiography and high D-dimer quantitative level of 4,118 μg/L (normal <252 μg/L). Ultrasonography of the deep and superficial veins of both lower limbs and renal veins revealed no thrombosis, suggesting the diagnosis of ISPAT. Further etiological evaluation revealed positive antinuclear antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and anti-SSA antibodies, confirming SLE. Repeated normal urine analysis indicated that lupus nephritis was unlikely. Further, the negative anticardiolipin and anti-β2 glycoprotein antibodies and temporary positive lupus anticoagulant suggested that antiphospholipid syndrome was unlikely. The patient received anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, and mycophenolate therapy. Her symptoms gradually improved, and she was discharged. At the 1-month follow-up, the thrombosis had resolved. During the 1-year follow-up, her condition remained well without SLE relapse. Our experience with this case emphasizes searching for SLE in the case of ISPAT and pulmonary hemorrhages. ISPAT can occur in children with SLE and may be caused by hyperinflammatory response during SLE flare.

Clinical prediction tool to identify children at risk of pulmonary embolism

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms, and clinical prediction tools designed for adults are unsuitable for children. This study aimed to create a PE predictive model and to evaluate the reported tools in the Thai pediatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-center retrospective study from 4 university hospitals included children ≤18 years of age undergoing computed tomography pulmonary angiogram from 2000 to 2020 with the suspicion of PE. Patients' clinical presentations and risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) were compared between the PE-positive and PE-negative groups. Significant risk factors from univariate and multivariate logistic regression were included to create a clinical prediction tool. The performance of the model was demonstrated by sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer Lemeshow test, ratio of observed and expected outcomes and bootstrapping.

RESULTS

Of the 104 patients included, 43 (41.3 %) were grouped as PE-positive and 61 (58.7 %) as PE-negative. Five parameters, including congenital heart disease/pulmonary surgery, known thrombophilia, previous VTE, nephrotic syndrome and chest pain showed significant differences between the two groups. Score ≥ 2 yielded a 74.4 % sensitivity and a 75.4 % specificity with an AUC of the model of 0.809. The model performance and validation results were within satisfactory ranges.

CONCLUSION

The study created a clinical prediction tool indicating the likelihood of PE among Thai children. A score ≥2 was suggestive of PE.

Implementing a Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Model: An Institutional Experience

Pulmonary embolism is increasing in prevalence among pediatric patients; although still rare, it can create a significant risk for morbidity and death within the pediatric patient population. Pulmonary embolism presents in various ways depending on the patient, the size of the embolism, and the comorbidities. Treatment decisions are often driven by the severity of the presentation and hemodynamic effects; severe presentations require more invasive and aggressive treatment. We describe the development and implementation of a pediatric pulmonary embolism response team designed to facilitate rapid, multidisciplinary, data-driven treatment decisions and management.

Return emergency department visits for recurrent pulmonary embolism symptoms in children and adolescents

Rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children have steadily increased over the past 2 decades. Patient outcomes after hospital discharge are poorly understood, and many patients experience recurrent or persistent chest pain or dyspnea, prompting a return to care. This retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with PE at a large children's hospital over a 9.5-year period was performed to evaluate rates of return to the emergency department (ED) for PE-related symptoms, and to determine the utility of repeat computed tomography angiography (CTA) in this population. Ninety-six patients were diagnosed with PE during the study period. Forty-two percent of patients (n = 40) returned to the ED for PE-related symptoms and a total of 74 repeat CTAs were performed. Among those who had return visits, the mean number of return visits was 3 and the mean number of repeat CTAs was 1.8. The median time to return to the ED was 34 days. Logistic regression analysis identified increased age and female sex as risk factors for return ED visits. Eight percent of the cohort experienced PE recurrence. Recurrent PE was observed only in those with persistent or new thrombotic risk factors and was uncommon in those who remained on appropriate anticoagulation. Future work should focus on the development of a risk stratification system to identify patients at low risk of recurrence in order to minimize repeat CTA imaging.

A retrospective study of the clinical characteristics of 9 children with pulmonary embolism associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) who also present with pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis examined the demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging characteristics, therapy, and prognosis of nine cases of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). The study focused on patients admitted to the respiratory department of Tianjin Children's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2021.

RESULTS

The age range of the patients was 3 to 8 years old, with a median age of 7.5 years. The median number of days from pulmonary infection to the diagnosis of embolism was 14 days. All patients had refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP). Among them, three patients reported chest pain, one of whom had hemoptysis, while five patients had dyspnea, and six patients experienced radiating pain at unusual sites. Five out of the nine children tested positive for lupus anticoagulant (LA), five for anticardiolipin antibody (ACA), three for anti-2-glycoprotein antibody IgM, four for reduced protein S or protein C activity, and three for elevated coagulation factor VIII. Moreover, six out of the nine children tested positive for antinuclear antibodies. All the children underwent CT pulmonary angiograms, which revealed filling defects. After sequential low-molecular heparin anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, nine children in this study showed a good prognosis, with two of them receiving thrombolytic therapy for combined cardiac embolism. Follow-up at 0.5-9 months showed the gradual resolution of the emboli in all 9 children, with no thrombotic recurrences and normalized autoantibodies and thrombophilia markers.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of cases involving Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) combined with pulmonary embolism (PE) were diagnosed with refractory MPP (RMPP). However, PE did not always occur in the advanced stages of the disease. Most patients presented with transient autoantibody positivity, abnormal coagulation, and fibrinolytic balance. With timely treatment, the prognosis of MPP combined with PE is generally good. Additionally, rivaroxaban treatment has been shown to be safe and effective.

Bedside exclusion of pulmonary embolism in children without radiation (BEEPER): a national study of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network-Study protocol

Background

The Pulmonary Embolism Rule Out Criteria (PERC) Peds rule, derived from the PERC rule, was derived to estimate a low pretest probability for pulmonary embolism (PE) in children but has not been prospectively validated.

Objective

The objective of this study was to present a protocol for an ongoing multicenter prospective observational study that evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of the PERC-Peds rule.

Methods

This protocol is identified by the acronym, BEdside Exclusion of Pulmonary Embolism without Radiation in children. The study aims were designed to prospectively validate, or if necessary, refine, the accuracy of PERC-Peds and D-dimer in excluding PE among children with clinical suspicion or testing for PE. Multiple ancillary studies will examine clinical characteristics and epidemiology of the participants. Children aged 4 through 17 years were being enrolled at 21 sites through the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN). Patients taking anticoagulant therapy are excluded. PERC-Peds criteria data, clinical gestalt, and demographic information are collected in real time. The criterion standard outcome is image-confirmed venous thromboembolism within 45 days, determined from independent expert adjudication. We assessed interrater reliability of the PERC-Peds, frequency of PERC-Peds use in routine clinical care, and descriptive characteristics of missed eligible and missed patients with PE.

Results

Enrollment is currently 60% complete with an anticipated data lock in 2025.

Conclusions

This prospective multicenter observational study will not only test whether a set of simple criteria can safely exclude PE without need for imaging but also provide a resource to fill a critical knowledge gap about clinical characteristics of children with suspected and diagnosed PE.

Developmental Hemostasis: The Evolution of our Coagulation System

Developmental hemostasis describes the evolution of the coagulation system from the neonatal period through adulthood. Neonates have lower levels of coagulation factors and elevated screening levels at birth. These levels can be influenced by various circumstances including gestational age, labor effects, and clinical status. The most commonly used screening tests for coagulopathy are the prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen level. These values can be difficult to interpret as every laboratory has its own age-specific reference ranges. An understanding of developmental hemostasis is important when evaluating, diagnosing, and treating clinical manifestations, including vitamin K deficiency, surgical needs, infections, inherited thrombophilias, and inherited bleeding disorders. The mainstay of treatment for bleeding or hemorrhage is platelet and fresh frozen plasma transfusions. For the treatment of thrombosis, unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are the 2 most commonly used anticoagulants in the neonatal setting.

Presentation, Management and Outcomes of Pediatric Pulmonary Embolus: A Retrospective Review

OBJECTIVES

To review the presentation, management, and outcomes of pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) patients treated at a single institution over 10 years to determine whether laboratory findings and clinical presentation predict disease severity.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients treated for PE in a 14-bed pediatric intensive care unit from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018. Associations between clot burden and disease severity, clinical risk factors (body mass index, recent hospitalization, estrogen use), clinical presentation (heart rate, oxygen saturation), and laboratory values (white blood cell count, D-Dimer, troponin, proBNP) were performed using Student t test, χ2 tests, and 1-way analysis of variance. Patients were risk stratified by American Heart Association guidelines.

RESULTS

Eighteen (72%) patients (girls) were treated for PE. Common risk factors included recent hospitalization (67%) and oral contraceptives (62%). Risk factors, clinical presentation (including hypoxemia and tachypnea), and laboratory studies did not correlate with disease severity or clot burden. Electrocardiogram and radiographic findings were non-specific. Computer tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was required to diagnose 94%. Sixteen received unfractionated heparin, and 5 required additional intervention. Risk factors, clinical features, and laboratory studies did not predict who required intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Of 18 pediatric patients treated for PE at a single institution over 10 years, vital signs and laboratory data did not predict disease severity or clot burden, and CTPA was required for diagnosis in all but 1. Emergency room providers must have a high index of suspicion for diagnosis and cannot be reassured by normal electrocardiogram or plain film findings. At a time when pediatric providers are under pressure to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure, this lack of correlation of clinical presentation and laboratory findings highlights the importance of considering CTPA when PE is suspected.

Massive Pulmonary Emboli in Klinefelter Syndrome: A Rare Case Report

Introduction

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder that affects men. An augmented incidence of the thromboembolic event described in patients with KS.

Case Presentation

A 34-year-old male identified with a definitive diagnosis of KS was hospitalized to our cardiac surgery center through the emergency with chief complaints of acute chest pain and dyspnea. Saddle pulmonary thromboembolism was established from chest Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). The patient's symptoms resolved after embolectomy via surgery.

Conclusions

There is a tendency for hypercoagulability in KS. This tendency is because of hormonal discrepancy and hereditary thrombophilic factors. So, patients with KS and past medical history of venous thromboembolism necessitate constant oral anticoagulation therapy.

Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis: Similar but different

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the two clinical manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE), constitute a major global burden of cardiovascular disease. They are often referred to as one disease but several patient characteristics, risk factors, real-world treatment, and clinical outcomes may differ substantially between PE and DVT alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the state-of-the-art literature on the topic of PE and DVT alone using PubMed, Google scholar, and MEDLINE databases and the most established international consensus statement guidelines for the management of VTE, focusing on the recommendations for diagnosis and treatment but also including epidemiological and clinical characteristics of VTE, highlighting similarities and differences between PE and DVT alone.

RESULTS

Several patient characteristics, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes differ substantially between PE versus DVT alone. Nevertheless, recommendations for both diagnosis and treatment are strikingly similar in the current guidelines for the management of DVT and PE, except for the indication for advanced reperfusion therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in risk factors, clinical manifestations, and clinical outcomes between patients with PE versus DVT alone are only marginally addressed in the current consensus guidelines. More data is needed allowing proposal of evidence-based adjustments in the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these two manifestations of VTE. Tailored risk stratification and individualized management strategies for patients with PE and DVT alone may lead to a better prognosis, less recurrence and complications, and possibly to a gain of quality-adjusted life years in patients with VTE.

Pulmonary embolism in pediatric age: A retrospective study from a tertiary center

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare but associated with adverse outcomes. We aimed to characterize PE cases admitted in a tertiary hospital and to evaluate sensitivity of selected PE diagnostic prediction tools.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive study of PE cases admitted from 2008 to 2020 using data collected from hospital records. Patients were grouped according to PE severity and setting (outpatients vs. inpatients). Links and correlation with demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were analyzed. PE diagnostic prediction tools were applied.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine PE episodes occurred in 27 patients, 62.9% female, mean age 14.1 years. Most PE were central and split between massive or submassive. One was diagnosed in autopsy. Twenty outpatients, all adolescents, were admitted for classic PE symptoms; in half of them the diagnosis had been previously missed. Risk factors included contraceptives (65%), thrombophilia (35%), obesity (20%) and auto-immunity (20%). Eight inpatients, diagnosed during cardiorespiratory deterioration (n = 5), or through incidental radiological findings (n = 3), were younger and had immobilization (87.5%), complex chronic diseases (75%), infections (75%) and central venous catheter (62.5%) as risk factors. Retrospectively, d -dimer testing and adult scores performed better than pediatric scores (sensitivity 92.9%-96% vs. 85.7%-92.9%). Both pediatric scores missed a case with a positive family history.

DISCUSSION

Pediatric PE diagnosis is often delayed or missed. Development of pediatric prediction tools from validated adult scores merits being explored. We argue clinical presentation and risk factors may be different in inpatients and outpatients and propose broader reliance on family history.

Illustrated State-of-the-Art Capsules of the ISTH 2020 Congress

This year's Congress of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) was hosted virtually from Philadelphia July 17-21, 2021. The conference, now held annually, highlighted cutting-edge advances in basic, population and clinical sciences of relevance to the Society. Despite being held virtually, the 2021 congress was of the same scope and quality as an annual meeting held in person. An added feature of the program is that talks streamed at the designated times will then be available on-line for asynchronous viewing. The program included 77 State of the Art (SOA) talks, thematically grouped in 28 sessions, given by internationally recognized leaders in the field. The SOA speakers were invited to prepare brief illustrated reviews of their talks that were peer reviewed and are included in this article. The topics, across the main scientific themes of the congress, include Arterial Thromboembolism, Coagulation and Natural Anticoagulants, COVID-19 and Coagulation, Diagnostics and Omics, Fibrinogen, Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis, Hemophilia and Rare Bleeding Disorders, Hemostasis in Cancer, Inflammation and Immunity, Pediatrics, Platelet Disorders, von Willebrand Disease and Thrombotic Angiopathies, Platelets and Megakaryocytes, Vascular Biology, Venous Thromboembolism and Women's Health. These illustrated capsules highlight the major scientific advances with potential to impact clinical practice. Readers are invited to take advantage of the excellent educational resource provided by these illustrated capsules. They are also encouraged to use the image in social media to draw attention to the high quality and impact of the science presented at the congress.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for in situ pulmonary artery thrombosis in children

In situ pulmonary artery thrombosis (ISPAT) is a unique form of pulmonary embolism characterized by local formation of thrombus in the pulmonary arteries. We present here a baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who developed ISPAT after Glenn surgery. The patient underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis, followed by systemic anticoagulation with excellent results.

Case report: Pulmonary artery thrombosis in cyanotic congenital heart disease

Cyanotic congenital cardiac anomalies increase the risk of thrombosis. In pediatric congenital heart disease, the diagnosis of pulmonary artery thrombosis is rare. We reported an 11-year-old male child who developed progressive shortness of breath over six months. He was subsequently referred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan. The child was diagnosed as a case of double outlet left ventricle, levo-transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect and thrombus in the main pulmonary artery with extension into the branch pulmonary arteries. He underwent thromboendarterectomy with a Glenn shunt and made an uneventful postoperative recovery.

Pulmonary embolism complicated the course of anti-N-methyl-D aspartate receptor encephalitis in a pediatric intensive care unit setting: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, an autoimmune neurological disorder resultant from the autoantibodies directed to the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR, is mainly characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms, including behavior changes, paranoia, delusions, epileptic seizures, movement disorders, aphasia, insomnia, dysautonomia, and altered consciousness. Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with pleuritic chest pain, hemoptysis, and respiratory distress by obstruction of the pulmonary circulation. Unlike adults, pediatric PE usually related to obvious risk factors, including central venous line, malignancy, lupus erythematosus, renal disease, congenital thrombophilia, surgery, and major trauma. Besides, PE has rarely been encountered in adult patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis even in the absence of these risk factors.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 16-year-old male patient, with acute psychosis, epileptic seizure, and altered consciousness, was diagnosed as having anti-NMDAR encephalitis and treated by intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose pulse intravenous methylprednisolone. During follow-up, on the 11^th day of hospitalization, the disease course was complicated by the occurrence of pulmonary embolism, presenting with acute onset respiratory distress and the need for supplementary oxygen treatment. PE improved with low-molecular-weight heparin treatment.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary embolism should be kept in mind as a possible cause of respiratory insufficiency in pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients along with altered consciousness, breathing instability, hypersalivation, status epilepticus or dystonia, and their treatment.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for submassive pulmonary embolism in children: A case series

Incidence of venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism (PE), continues to rise in children. Optimum management of submassive PE is unclear. The principal objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the radiological and clinical outcomes in children with submassive PE treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Five patients underwent six episodes of CDT. No patient developed major/clinically relevant non-major bleeding. Most patients had complete radiological thrombus resolution and no patient had evidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. There is an urgent need for larger prospective cohort studies/randomized controlled trials to investigate the role of CDT in pediatric PE.

Patients with isolated pulmonary embolism in comparison to those with deep venous thrombosis. Differences in characteristics and clinical evolution

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) often have leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT); sometimes, however, a DVT is not detected (isolated PE, I-PE). We aimed at assessing the proportion of patients with I-PE, and their characteristics and clinical evolution compared to those with DVT with/without PE (DVT/PE).

METHODS

Among 3573 patients included in the START2-Register for a venous thromboembolic event, 2880 (80.6%) had DVT/PE, the remaining I-PE (19.4%).

RESULTS

Patients with I-PE were older [(≥75 years, OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.13-1.69)], and more frequently females [OR 1.4 (1.19-1.67)]. Young females (aged ≤ 50 years) with an index event occurring during hormonal contraception (HC), were more prevalent in I-PE [OR 1.96 (1.26-3.03)]. At multivariate analysis, age > 75 years, female sex, heart failure, cancer and use of HC were risk factors significantly associated with I-PE, whereas thrombophilic alterations were associated with DVT/PE. During a follow-up of 4504 years (during anticoagulation), the rate of bleeding events was 1.1% patient/years and 1.0% patient/years in I-PE and DVT/PE, respectively. Venous thromboembolic events were equally prevalent in DVT/PE or I-PE (1.94% vs 0.86%, ns), whereas arterial complications were more prevalent in the latter group (1.01% vs 0.28%, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

I-PE and DVT/PE have important differences. Older age, female sex, heart failure and cancer, were risk factors for I-PE; thrombophilic alterations were associated with DVT/PE. HC use was more frequent in the I-PE group. The prevalence of arterial complications was higher in patients with I-PE. Further studies, specifically designed on this issue, are warranted.

The Challenge of Treating Pulmonary Vasculitis in Behçet Disease: Two Pediatric Cases

Behçet disease (BD) is a multisystemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent mucocutaneous, ocular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and vascular manifestations. Pulmonary arterial involvement (PAI) of BD is probably the most severe form of vasculitis, at least in children. PAI has a high mortality, morbidity, and recurrence rate. There are limited data regarding treatment and outcomes of pediatric patients with BD with PAI. Herein, we report 2 pediatric patients with BD presented with hemoptysis and support our data with a systematic review. These patients were given immunosuppressive therapy, which covered pulse methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone, intravenous cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks for a total of 6 cycles, and interferon-α2a concomitantly. These are the first reported cases in the literature successfully treated with this treatment modality in a complication with 50% mortality. These patients have been followed up for a period of at least 4 years without any vascular recurrence. Pediatricians should be aware that patients with BD may not present with full diagnostic criteria. They should consider BD in a child with PAI to avoid diagnostic delay and start life-saving accurate immunosuppressive treatment.

Increasing rate of pulmonary embolism diagnosed in hospitalized children in the United States from 2001 to 2014

Although rare in children, pulmonary embolism (PE) can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Overall rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are increasing in hospitalized children. By using the Pediatric Health Information System database, we evaluated incidence, treatment, and outcome of PE in children younger than age 18 years from 2001 to 2014. Demographic characteristics for those admitted with VTE alone and those admitted with PE were compared. Rates of PE by year were compared with the number of hospital and VTE admissions. Trends in medication use were analyzed. Over the period of the study, patients with PE made up 15.8% of VTE discharges. The overall rate of PE increased 200% (P < .001). Compared with all other age groups, adolescents (age 13-18 years) had the highest prevalence (55%; P < .001), the rate of which increased from 9.8 to 24.7 per 10 000 hospital discharges (152%; P < .001), and from 17.5 to 34.1 per 100 VTE discharges (95%; P < .001). Individuals with PE had a higher mortality (8.3% vs 6%; P < .001) and were less likely to have a complex chronic condition (58% vs 65%; P < .001) than those with VTE alone. However, PE mortality rates decreased over the time period studied. African American and Hispanic patients were more likely to experience recurrent PE than white patients (12% and 10.7% vs 8%; P = .002). During the study period, the use of unfractionated heparin decreased (P < .001), and the use of low molecular weight heparin increased (P < .001). Further research is required to determine what factors contribute to the higher rate of PE in adolescents and influence recurrence in African American and Hispanic patients.

Pulmonary Embolism in Children

Pulmonary embolism is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening event in children. There has been increasing awareness of pulmonary embolism in children with improved survival in children with systemic disease and advancements in diagnostic modalities. However, literature regarding pulmonary embolism in children is sparse, and thus current guidelines for management of pulmonary embolism in children are extrapolated from adult literature and remain controversial. This article reviews the background and pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism, as well as current diagnostic approach and recommended management of pulmonary embolism in children.

Pulmonary Embolism in Children

Pulmonary embolism (PE) in children is a rare condition with potential for high mortality. PE incidence is increasing owing to increased survival of children with predisposing conditions, increased use of central venous catheters, and improved awareness and recognition. Although pediatric PE is distinct from adult PE, management guidelines in children are extrapolated from the adult data. Treatment includes thrombolysis or thrombectomy, and pharmacologic anticoagulation. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the use of direct oral anticoagulants in children. Further research is required to develop pediatric-specific evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and management of PE.

Dehydration as a Rare Cause of Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis in a 2-Week-Old Term Neonate

Pulmonary arterial thrombosis is an extremely rare occurrence in the neonatal population. We describe a 2-week-old female neonate who presented in critical condition with severe cyanosis and dehydration and was found to have a large thrombus in the main branches of the pulmonary arteries. She was successfully treated with surgical embolectomy. Pulmonary arterial thrombosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a dehydrated neonate presenting with severe cyanosis and evidence of pulmonary hypertension.