A rare cause of pediatric respiratory distress: pulmonary embolism

Pediatric Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a very rare condition as compared to adults. However, the incidence of pulmonary embolism in children is increasing as a result of accurate and timely diagnosis. Authors hereby reporting a 7-year-old female child who presented to us with acute onset respiratory distress and hypotensive shock, with no other significant illness in the past. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made based on chest x ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiography. After ascertaining the diagnosis of PE, child was started on unfractionated heparin infusion along with other supportive measures. But the child went into refractory shock followed by asystole, could not be revived. Pulmonary embolism is a rare and potentially fatal, condition that often goes unrecognized among the pediatric population. There should be high index of suspicion on PE in a child who presented with sudden onset respiratory distress with other supportive radiological, 2d echo and lab findings.