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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
Induction of Mouse Lung Injury by Endotracheal Injection of Bleomycin
Published on: April 30, 2019
Bleomycin-induced lung injury following intralesional sclerotherapy for vascular malformation
Alexia Gasciunas1, Belén Barrabino1, Maximiliano Salim1
1Pulmonology Department, Hospital de Pediatría S.A.M.I.C. Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan. Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
A child experienced acute lung injury after bleomycin sclerotherapy for a venous malformation. Prompt recognition and treatment with corticosteroids improved respiratory function, though lung damage persisted.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Venous malformations are common congenital vascular anomalies.
- Sclerotherapy with bleomycin is a treatment option for vascular malformations.
- Bleomycin can cause pulmonary toxicity.
Abstract:
The objective is to describe the presentation, evolution, and treatment of a child who presented with acute lung injury secondary to intralesional sclerotherapy with bleomycin for a venous malformation. The patient was a 4-year-old boy with a venous vascular malformation in his left lower limb, treated with percutaneous sclerosis with bleomycin (0.46 mg/kg). In the immediate postoperative period, he developed acute respiratory failure. During his evolution, pulmonary injury secondary to bleomycin was suspected. He received treatment with intravenous corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and supportive measures. At one year of follow-up, he was clinically stable and breathing adequately, although imaging studies showed persistent parenchymal involvement. This case reports a rare but serious complication of percutaneous bleomycin treatment. It highlights the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for acute respiratory symptoms, even at low doses, to enable timely diagnosis and treatment.
