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Published on: May 21, 2019
Hemorrhagic stroke associated with pulmonary edema and catastrophic cardiac failure
Jiun-Chang Lee1, Jainn-Jim Lin, Kuang-Lin Lin
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Pediatric cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can cause severe cardiac and pulmonary issues, as seen in a 14-year-old boy. Early intervention for this rare vascular malformation is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare vascular malformation in children, often presenting with neurological symptoms like intracranial hypertension or hemorrhage.
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications are common in adults with acute neurological injury but rarely reported in pediatric cases.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy presented with cardiac failure and pulmonary edema following a cerebral hemorrhagic stroke caused by AVF.
- This case highlights a rare but severe presentation of pediatric cerebral AVF.
Findings:
- The patient experienced significant cardiac and pulmonary distress secondary to the cerebral hemorrhagic stroke.
- Prompt medical intervention was initiated to manage the cardiac and pulmonary complications.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of cardiac and pulmonary complications in pediatric cerebral AVF are critical.
- Aggressive treatment may mitigate the risk of long-term adverse neurological outcomes in affected children.
Abstract:
Cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a vascular malformation that is rare in the pediatric population. Older children with cerebral AVF tend to present with neurologic problems related to intracranial venous hypertension or intracranial hemorrhage. Cardiac and pulmonary complications following acute neurologic injury such as subarachnoid hemorrhage are common in adults, but are rarely reported in children. However, complications have been reported in cases of enterovirus 71 rhombencephalitis in infants and children and can cause high morbidity and mortality. Here, we report a 14-year-old boy who presented with cardiac failure associated with pulmonary edema following cerebral hemorrhagic stroke due to AVF. After aggressive investigation and management, we intervened before significant hypoxia and hypotension developed, potentially reducing the risk of long-term adverse neurologic consequences in this patient.
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