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Pulmonary thromboembolism and unexpected death in infancy
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Massive pulmonary thromboembolism is a rare cause of sudden infant death. Underlying conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis or idiopathic arterial calcification may predispose infants to this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is uncommon in infants.
- Autopsy data provides insight into rare causes of infant mortality.
Observation:
- A 30-year review identified three cases of infant death (<1 year) due to massive PTE.
- Associated conditions included necrotizing enterocolitis with perforation/sepsis, ventriculoatrial shunt, and idiopathic arterial calcification.
Findings:
- Massive PTE is an exceedingly rare cause of sudden infant death.
- Idiopathic arterial calcification, an autosomal recessive disorder, was diagnosed post-mortem.
- The source of PTE can be challenging to identify during autopsy.
Implications:
- Infant PTE may indicate clinically unsuspected disorders.
- Certain predisposing factors for PTE are specific to infancy.
- This highlights the importance of thorough autopsy in sudden infant deaths.