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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Diagnosis of thromboembolic disease during infancy and childhood
Insights
Pediatric thromboembolism is rising, differing from adults. Congenital factors like activated protein C (APC) resistance and acquired risks such as central venous lines are key concerns in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Thromboembolic disorders are increasingly recognized in pediatric patients, with unique age-related risk factors distinct from adults.
- Congenital prethrombotic disorders, particularly activated protein C (APC) resistance, are significant contributors to pediatric thrombosis.
- Acquired risk factors, including central venous lines, cardiac conditions, and nephrotic syndrome, further elevate thrombosis risk in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the distinct features and rising incidence of thromboembolic disorders in pediatric populations.
- To identify key congenital and acquired risk factors specific to children.
- To emphasize the need for age-appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric thrombosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric thromboembolism.
- Analysis of age-specific risk factors, including congenital and acquired conditions.
- Examination of clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges in children.
Main Results:
- Congenital prethrombotic states and APC resistance are prevalent in pediatric thrombosis.
- Central venous line thrombosis, cardiac diseases, and nephrotic syndrome are significant acquired risks.
- Neonatal period presents the highest risk, influenced by congenital factors and catheter use.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially with APC resistance, increases thrombosis risk.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric thromboembolism requires specialized approaches due to unique pathophysiology and risk factors.
- Early identification of congenital and acquired risks is crucial for effective prevention and management.
- Comprehensive laboratory and diagnostic evaluations are essential for accurate diagnosis in pediatric thrombosis.
Abstract:
Thromboembolic disorders are frequent complications in pediatric patients and the incidence seems to rise. Adult guidelines for thromboembolism do not hold for children because there are many age-related features. Congenital prethrombotic disorders play a major role in the pediatric population and activated protein C (APC) resistance is also the most frequently encountered problem. Acquired risk factors in children are central venous line thrombosis with serious complications, cardiac diseases such as cardiomyopathies, prosthetic heart valves and aneurysms, renal vein thrombosis, and nephrotic syndrome. Renal vein thrombosis primarily affects newborns. Children with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome also have thromboses although less frequent than adults, but systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with a high incidence. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is frequently associated with thrombosis in children, especially when complicated by APC resistance. The greatest risk of thrombosis in children is during the neonatal period, and again congenital prethrombotic states and catheter placement play a major role. The clinical manifestations in children reflect the site of the thrombosis and extensive laboratory evaluations and advanced diagnostic procedures must be employed to diagnose the thrombotic events.
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