Cardiac thrombus with risk of fulminant pulmonary embolism in paediatric antiphospholipid syndrome

M Albinski1, M Hufnagel2, J Schelling2

  • 1Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg.

Insights

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) can cause dangerous blood clots in children. A rare case highlights a 15-year-old with deep vein thrombosis and a tumor that was actually a thrombus, leading to a full recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by autoantibodies targeting membrane components.
  • APS involves coagulation pathways, complement factors, and immune cells, leading to thrombosis in various blood vessels.
  • Clinical manifestations of APS are diverse, depending on the affected organ, with limited data available for pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old patient presented with deep vein thrombosis and a right ventricular tumor.
  • The tumor posed a significant risk of a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
  • Surgical removal of the mass was performed.

Findings:

  • Histological examination confirmed the right ventricular mass to be a thrombus.
  • The patient experienced a complete recovery following surgical intervention.
  • Long-term anticoagulation therapy was initiated for the patient.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering thrombotic events in pediatric patients presenting with unusual masses.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical removal and anticoagulation, are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric APS.
  • Further research into pediatric APS is warranted to improve understanding and treatment strategies.

Related Concept Videos

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...
633
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...
1.2K
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
459
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
655
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.3K
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
628