Work

Pulmonary embolism complicating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a retrospective case series

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives To describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods We conducted a retrospective review of eight children diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia complicated by pulmonary embolism between January 2023 and December 2024 at our hospital. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, imaging features, treatment strategies, and outcomes were systematically collected. Results The cohort included six males and two females, with a mean age of 7.81 ± 3.64 years. The median interval from pneumonia onset to PE diagnosis was 14 days. All patients had severe or refractory MPP. Common symptoms included chest pain ( n = 6), hemoptysis ( n = 4), and dyspnea ( n = 2). CTPA demonstrated pulmonary arterial filling defects in all cases. All patients received anticoagulation therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin followed by rivaroxaban, resulting in favorable clinical outcomes. During 3–6 months of follow-up, complete resolution of emboli was observed, thrombophilia-related laboratory abnormalities normalized, and no recurrence occurred. Conclusions Early diagnosis and timely anticoagulation are crucial for favorable outcomes in children with MPP-related PE. Although the small sample size limits generalizability, this case series provides a structured clinical dataset that captures demographic, laboratory, immunological, and imaging features. These data may serve as a reference for future studies aiming to better understand host susceptibility and immunothrombotic mechanisms in pediatric PE.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1703027

Authors: Pei Tao, Zhigang Wang, Kaiyu Zhou, Ying Wu

Institutions: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Internal Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801