Infantile pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis: a lethal form of pulmonary hypertension

Cardiol Young. 2016 Apr;26(4):663-8. doi: 10.1017/S1047951115001006. Epub 2015 Jul 15.

Abstract

We describe the cases of two children who both presented in infancy with recurrent severe pulmonary hypertensive crises. Exhaustive clinical work-up failed to identify an underlying aetiology. The patients had no clinical response to steroids, immunoglobulins, or pulmonary vasodilators. Post-mortem examination revealed extensive invasive pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis. There was no evidence of pulmonary venous occlusive disease. Given the lethal nature of this condition, early consideration of referral to a lung transplant centre should be considered in selected patients.

Keywords: Pulmonary hypertension; infant; lethal; lung transplant; pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis; pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Capillaries*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hemangioma / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lung / blood supply*
  • Male
  • Vascular Neoplasms / complications*