[Percutaneous embolization of a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in a child].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula is a rare vascular abnormality in children that is usually treated by lobectomy. This report describes a case that was improved by coil embolization.

CASE REPORT:

A thoracic X-ray was routinely taken before amygdalectomy in a 6 year-old girl. It showed a consolidation area in the left superior lobe that persisted despite treatment with erythromycin for 3 weeks. Bronchoscopy was normal, but study of blood gases showed a refractory hypoxemia with moderate cyanosis and hemoglobin at 16.2 g/dl. Right-heart catheterization and angiography showed a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula that was treated by coil embolization. A control investigation 3 months later showed normal arterial oxygen saturation, hemoglobin at 14.5 g/dl and reduced pulmonary condensation.

CONCLUSION:

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula may show few symptoms. Coil embolization appears to be a useful initial non-aggressive treatment.

• Authors: B Callebaut, T Sluysmans, M Stijns, J Lintermans, A Vliers
• Journal: Archives de pediatrie : organe officiel de la Societe francaise de pediatrie (Arch Pediatr) Vol. 1 Issue 1 Pg. 46-8 (Jan 1994) ISSN: 0929-693X [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Embolisation percutanée d'une fistule artérioveineuse pulmonaire chez un enfant.
• PMID: 8087219 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Arteriovenous Fistula (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Child
• Embolization, Therapeutic (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Pulmonary Artery (abnormalities, diagnostic imaging)
• Pulmonary Veins (abnormalities, diagnostic imaging)
• Radiography