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[Hemoptysis in a child with cervical and pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Case report]
Giselle Cuestas1, María Victoria Demarchi1, María Pía Martínez Corvalán1
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología Infantil, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires.
Insights
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a rare cause of hemoptysis in children. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to potential severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Vascular Malformations
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, in children often stems from lower respiratory tract infections or foreign body aspiration.
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) represent a rare but serious cause, characterized by abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins.
Observation:
- PAVMs are congenital vascular anomalies that grow with the child.
- Clinical presentation can include dyspnea, exercise intolerance, cyanosis, and potentially severe hemorrhagic or neurological complications.
Findings:
- This case highlights the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for a child diagnosed with PAVM.
- Systematic evaluation is essential for identifying the specific cause of hemoptysis in pediatric patients.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of PAVMs is critical for timely intervention.
- Effective management of PAVMs can prevent life-threatening complications in children with hemoptysis.
Abstract:
Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the subglottic airway. The main causes in children are infections of the lower respiratory tract and aspiration of foreign bodies. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a rare etiology of hemoptysis, which involves abnormal communication between the arterial and venous system. Most vascular malformations are present at birth and enlarge proportionately with the growth of the child. Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, exercise intolerance, cyanosis and hemorrhagic or neurologic complications. We describe the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and treatment of a child with this disease. We emphasize the importance of efficient systematic evaluation in every child with hemoptysis to identify the underlying etiology, since immediate treatment is essential because of the potential severity of this condition.
