Catheter-directed thrombolysis for submassive pulmonary embolism in children: A case series

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Cardiovascular Research
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence, including pulmonary embolism (PE), is increasing in pediatric populations.
• Optimal management strategies for submassive PE in children remain undefined.
• Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a potential treatment option requiring further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of pediatric patients with submassive PE treated with CDT.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of CDT in this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study design.
• Analysis of radiological and clinical data from pediatric patients undergoing CDT for submassive PE.
• Evaluation of thrombus resolution, bleeding events, and development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Main Results:

• Five pediatric patients underwent six episodes of CDT for submassive PE.
• No major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events were reported.
• Complete radiological thrombus resolution was observed in most patients.
• No patient developed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• CDT appears to be a safe and effective treatment for pediatric submassive PE, leading to significant thrombus resolution.
• The findings support the need for larger prospective studies and randomized controlled trials to solidify the role of CDT in pediatric PE management.