Pulmonary embolism in the traumatic brain injured adolescent: report of two cases

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) are known to occur with significant frequency in the adult population but are believed to be rare in children. Our experience during a 26 month period would challenge this thought. Five of 60 adolescent patients developed an acute DVT and/or PE after severe traumatic brain injury. Clinical presentation of pulmonary embolus in two of three patients was similar to acute pneumonia. Prophylaxis for DVT and PE may be necessary to those adolescent patients who are likely to remain immobile for an extended period of time.