[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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula may show few symptoms. Coil embolization appears to be a useful initial non-aggressive treatment.
Callebaut
B
B
Service de cardiologie pédiatrique, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, université catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgique.
Sluysmans
T
T
Stijns
M
M
Lintermans
J
J
Vliers
A
A
D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography
Embolisation percutanée d'une fistule artérioveineuse pulmonaire chez un enfant.