Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

Cardiac, lung, and brain thrombosis in a child with obstructive sleep apnea

Shlomo Cohen1, Chaim Springer, Zeev Perles

  • 1Institute of Pulmonology, Hadassah Ein Kerem, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Centers, Jerusalem, Israel. shlomoco@hadassah.org.il

Pediatric Pulmonology
|July 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Prolonged obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children may lead to a procoagulant state, causing severe cardiovascular issues. Prompt adenotonsillectomy resolved these complications in a young patient.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children can lead to significant cardiovascular complications.
  • Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is a common cause of pediatric OSA.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old boy with severe OSA presented with respiratory distress, anasarca, right heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
  • Cardiac and pulmonary artery pathology indicated microemboli, alongside venous sinus thrombosis.

Findings:

  • Despite normal thrombophilia screening, the child's condition suggested a procoagulant state linked to prolonged OSA.
  • Surgical intervention, including adenotonsillectomy and cardiac lesion excision, led to complete recovery.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for prolonged pediatric OSA to induce a procoagulant state, leading to severe cardiovascular morbidity.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA may prevent serious cardiac complications in children.

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...