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Sudden pediatric death unveiling pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

Authors :
Abu-El-Rub H
Shatnawi R
AbuZetun YI
Ghorab D
Shotar AM
Source :
Autopsy & case reports [Autops Case Rep] 2024 May 22; Vol. 14, pp. e2024489. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 May 22 (Print Publication: 2024).
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal vascular connections between pulmonary arteries and veins, often associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Most PAVMs are asymptomatic, but life-threatening complications like pulmonary hemorrhage, brain abscesses, and paradoxical emboli can emerge, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. We report a case of sudden pediatric death in a two-year-old female with no past medical history. Initial vomiting and fast deterioration resulted in a sudden cardiac arrest. The postmortem examination found histological evidence of consistent, extensive lung damage. The absence of the characteristic symptoms made for some challenges when it came to diagnosis, showing precisely that in early life, you could well have many difficulties in catching PAVMs. This case highlights the need to take PAVMs into account as a potential cause of sudden death, particularly when there are no conspicuous symptoms. Awareness among forensic pathologists and consideration of genetic analysis for HHT in such cases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.<br />Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None<br /> (Copyright © 2024 The Authors.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2236-1960
Volume :
14
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Autopsy & case reports
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
38803485
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4322/acr.2024.489