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Massive pulmonary embolus in a 14 year old boy
S D Crane1, D W Beverley, M J Williams
1Accident Department, York District Hospital, York.
Journal of Accident & Emergency Medicine
|July 27, 1999
Summary
Pulmonary embolism is rare in children but can occur post-surgery. Emergency doctors should suspect this condition in pediatric patients with risk factors and symptoms like chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Cardiopulmonary Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is infrequently diagnosed in pediatric populations.
- Post-operative complications in children can include rare but serious conditions.
Observation:
- A case study details a 14-year-old patient experiencing a massive pulmonary embolism following surgery.
- The patient presented with acute, severe symptoms indicative of PE.
Findings:
- Massive pulmonary embolism occurred in a pediatric patient post-operatively.
- The diagnosis required a high index of suspicion due to the rarity in this age group.
Implications:
- Emergency departments must consider pulmonary embolism in children presenting with risk factors and acute symptoms.
- Increased awareness can improve diagnosis and management of pediatric PE.