It results from obstruction of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus that has migrated from a vein usually located in the deep venous system of the legs.
It is much less common in children than in adults.
There are genetic and acquired factors that may favour its formation. Among the most frequent acquired factors are: obesity, immobilisation, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc.
It manifests with shortness of breath, rapid breathing, cough and chest pain.
Diagnosis combines clinical history, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram and imaging tests.
Treatment is based on oxygen therapy and anticoagulants to prevent the formation of new thrombi. More severe cases are treated with fibrinolytics to break up the thrombus formed.
It is a life-threatening disease for which it is necessary to have a hospital consultation.
- Manuela Albisetti. Venous thrombosis and thromboembolism in infants and children: Risk factors and clinical manifestations. UpToDate. Marzo 2016
- Manuela Albisetti. Diagnosis and treatment of venous thrombosis and thromboembolism in infants and children. UpToDate. Mayo 2016
- Chalmers E. Guideline on the investigation, management and prevention of venous thrombosis in children. Br J Haematol 2011; 154:196.
- Jane E. Freedman. Trombosis arterial y venosa. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 142
- Revel-Vilk S. Natural history of arterial and venous thrombosis in children treated with low molecular weight heparin: a longitudinal study by ultrasound. J Thromb Haemost 2004; 2:42.
