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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
Pulmonary embolism from right ventricular myxoma in a child with undiagnosed Carney complex
Christopher A Atkins1, Katherine Cashen2, Kimberly Jackson2
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, USA.
Insights
A child with breathing difficulties was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli caused by a right ventricular myxoma. Surgical removal of the tumor and clots led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Pediatric pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but serious condition.
- Carney complex is a rare genetic disorder predisposing individuals to tumors and skin pigmentation abnormalities.
Observation:
- A child presented with dyspnoea (shortness of breath).
- Imaging revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli and a large right ventricular myxoma.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Carney complex, a likely underlying cause of the myxoma.
- Surgical resection of the right ventricular myxoma and bilateral pulmonary embolectomy were performed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare underlying conditions in pediatric PE.
- Successful surgical intervention for myxoma-associated PE can lead to excellent patient outcomes.
- Early diagnosis and management of Carney complex are crucial for preventing complications.
Abstract:
Pediatric pulmonary embolism occurs in 8.6-57 per 100,000 hospitalised children. We report a novel case of bilateral pulmonary emboli in a child presenting with dyspnoea who was found to have large right ventricular myxoma and subsequent diagnosis of Carney complex. After resection of the right ventricular myxoma and bilateral pulmonary embolectomy, she had a full recovery and an excellent outcome.
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