Chronic pulmonary embolism in children.

Abstract

Chronic pulmonary embolism with pulmonary hypertension in children is rarely diagnosed clinically; literature review yielded only 17 recorded cases. To demonstrate the radiographic features as well as to encourage the diagnostic consideration of chronic pulmonary embolism in children, this report focuses on three additional children with chronic pulmonary embolism. Of these 20 total cases, only two were not catheter-related; 17 patients had emboli as a complication of ventriculoatrial shunting, and one had emboli secondary to indwelling venous hyperalimentation. Analysis of the information available on the 20 cases revealed the following radiographic features: cardiomegaly (19 cases), large central pulmonary arteries with rapid distal tapering (15 cases), oligemia (five cases), "infiltrate" (three cases), and effusion (two cases). With increasing use of central catheterization as treatment for children with chronic illness, the incidence of chronic pulmonary embolism will likely increase; therefore, clinical diagnosis should reflect this increase. The radiologist in particular should be aware of the clinical and radiologic features of chronic pulmonary embolism in children.