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

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.