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Echocardiographic diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in childhood
M M Gleason1, M G White, J L Myers
1Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University Children's Hospital, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey 19104, USA.
Insights
Pulmonary embolism is rare in children, often missed due to low suspicion. Echocardiography is a valuable tool for diagnosing this condition in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Hematology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncommon in pediatric patients.
- Symptoms like tachypnea, chest discomfort, and hypoxia mimic other conditions.
- Low index of suspicion contributes to diagnostic challenges in children.
Observation:
- This report highlights the utility of echocardiography in diagnosing PE.
- Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were employed.
- The diagnostic value was confirmed across all age groups.
Findings:
- Echocardiography is effective for diagnosing pulmonary embolism in children.
- The technique's usefulness is not limited by patient age.
- Causes of pediatric hypercoagulable states were also reviewed.
Implications:
- Increased utilization of echocardiography can improve PE diagnosis in pediatrics.
- Early diagnosis of PE in children can lead to timely intervention.
- Understanding hypercoagulable states is crucial for pediatric PE management.
Abstract:
Pulmonary embolism is a rare problem in the pediatric age group. As in adults, symptoms include tachypnea, chest discomfort, and hypoxia, but the index of suspicion in making this diagnosis in children is low. This report confirms the usefulness of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, regardless of patient age. Causes of hypercoagulable states in children are also briefly discussed.