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An unusual cause of central cyanosis in a nine-year-old boy

A Shobi1, M S Tullu, S Bhatia

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a rare pediatric case of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations presenting with dyspnea and cyanosis. Transcatheter coil embolization successfully improved oxygenation in the affected child.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Vascular Medicine
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are uncommon congenital vascular anomalies.
  • PAVMs in children are exceptionally rare, often presenting with significant cardiopulmonary symptoms.

Observation:

  • A nine-year-old male child presented with a six-year history of exertional dyspnea, cyanosis, and clubbing.
  • Initial chest radiography raised suspicion for PAVMs, confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan.
  • Bubble contrast echocardiography identified an extracardiac shunt, and pulmonary angiography detailed the vascular anatomy.

Findings:

  • The diagnosis of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations was confirmed in a pediatric patient.
  • Transcatheter coil embolization was performed in two sittings.
  • Significant improvement in the patient's oxygenation was observed post-embolization.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering PAVMs in pediatric patients with unexplained cyanosis and dyspnea.
  • Transcatheter embolization is an effective treatment modality for pediatric PAVMs, improving clinical outcomes.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent long-term complications associated with untreated PAVMs.

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