Korean J Pediatr.  2009 Jan;52(1):124-128. 10.3345/kjp.2009.52.1.124.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation manifesting with perioral cyanosis and dyspnea on exertion: A case report

• Kim YK
• Kim JW
• Lee G
• Han MY

• KMID: 2037348
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2009.52.1.124

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are direct communications between pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins, resulting in right-to-left shunts that may cause cyanosis, dyspnea, and digital clubbing. Neurological complications such as intrace rebral hemorrhage or brain abscess may result from cerebral thrombosis or emboli. In most cases, they remain unrecognized until the late te enage years. Here, we report a case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with perioral cyanosis, digital clubbing, and dyspnea on exertion. A plain chest X-ray showed a focal nodular opacity in the right lower lobe (RLL), and a diagnosis of a large PAVM in the RLL was confirmed by chest computed tomography. A right lower lobe ctomy was successfully performed without any complications. Although their incidence in children is low, PAVMs should be suspected as a possible cause of cyanosis and dyspnea of non-cardiac origin, and should be treated promptly to prevent further neurological complications.

Keyword

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations; Cyanosis; Dyspnea

MeSH Terms

Arteriovenous Malformations
Brain Abscess
Child
Cyanosis
Dyspnea
Hemorrhage
Humans
Incidence
Intracranial Thrombosis
Pulmonary Artery
Pulmonary Veins
Thorax