Pediatric pulmonary thromboembolism: a 3-year Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program study

Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare event associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Awareness of clinical presentation and practices unique to children may aid clinicians in prompt identification and treatment.

To describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic practices, and short-term outcomes of pediatric PE.

We conducted a 3-year national surveillance study through the Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program. Over 2800 pediatric specialists and subspecialists were contacted monthly from 2020 to 2022 and requested to report all new cases of PE in patients up to 18 years of age. Case-specific data were obtained through voluntary completion of a detailed questionnaire.

Fifty-eight cases (78% female, n = 45) were reported (2.4 cases per million children), with rates highest in adolescents 15 to 18 years (6.6 cases per million). Detailed information, available for 31 (53%) cases, documented at least 1 risk factor in 28 (90%) cases; 24 (77%) patients presented with 2 or more symptoms. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography was used for diagnostic confirmation in 25 (81%) cases. Anticoagulation was initiated in 24 (77%) of 31 cases; fewer than 5 patients underwent thrombolysis or surgical interventions. Of 28 patients who received therapeutic interventions, 8 (29%) experienced treatment-related complications. Fewer than 5 mortalities were reported.

Pediatric PE is a rare event, with female adolescents at the highest risk. Although the presentation is often nonspecific, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients with risk factors and when other diagnoses that may explain symptoms have been excluded.