Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
Inhaled nitric oxide and sildenafil therapy for a pediatric patient with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous
Julie Pantaleoni1, Kourosh Parsapour2, Alexander A Kon3
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Insights
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can cause hypoxemia. Sildenafil provided long-term management for a child with severe hypoxemia from an inoperable malformation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) can lead to intrapulmonary shunting and hypoxemia.
- Standard treatments include embolization or surgical resection, which may not be suitable for all patients.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient presented with severe hypoxemia due to an inoperable PAVM.
- Initial management involved inhaled nitric oxide for acute symptom control.
Findings:
- The patient was transitioned to long-term management with sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor.
- Sildenafil effectively managed the severe hypoxemia associated with the inoperable PAVM.
Implications:
- Sildenafil represents a potential long-term therapeutic option for managing hypoxemia in patients with inoperable PAVMs.
- This case highlights the utility of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors beyond acute settings for complex pulmonary vascular conditions.
Abstract:
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations may result in intrapulmonary shunting and hypoxemia, and often are treated by embolization or surgical resection. Previous reports have demonstrated effective treatment of hypoxia with inhaled nitric oxide in the acute setting. In this report, we describe a child with severe hypoxemia secondary to an inoperable pulmonary arteriovenous malformation that was initially managed with the use of nitric oxide followed by long term management with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

