Rapidly progressive aortic aneurysmal dilation in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus: too early too severe

Soha Rached-d'Astous1, Nagib Dahdah1, Pierre Brochu2

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Canada.

BMJ Case Reports
|June 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children can lead to rare but serious thoracic aortic aneurysms. Early monitoring and management strategies are crucial for pediatric SLE patients to prevent this cardiovascular complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects 10-20% of children, often presenting with severe disease.
  • Cardiovascular complications are frequent in pediatric SLE, but thoracic aortic aneurysms are rare.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old SLE patient with significant renal disease developed a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • The patient required aortic replacement surgery for aneurysm treatment.

Findings:

  • Vasculitis is implicated in the pathophysiology, causing medial degeneration and fibrosis leading to aneurysm formation.
  • This case underscores the rarity of thoracic aortic aneurysms in pediatric SLE.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for vigilant thoracic aorta monitoring in children with SLE.
  • Emphasizes the necessity for developing early management strategies for this severe complication in pediatric SLE.

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