Rare Pediatric Condition: Septic Pulmonary Embolism Case Series Highlights Importance of Prompt Antibiotic Therapy

Strategic Insights -

A newly published case series sheds light on the rare condition of septic pulmonary embolism in children, emphasizing the need for prompt and targeted antibiotic therapy to improve outcomes. Researchers from the University of Florida Health reviewed clinical manifestations, radiographic abnormalities, and antibiotic therapy in children with septic pulmonary embolism. The study found that patients predominantly presented with shortness of breath, fever, and chest pain, with half having identifiable extrapulmonary infection sources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 8 patients with confirmed septic pulmonary embolism out of 16 encounters between 2000 and 2020.
  • Patients predominantly presented with shortness of breath (100%), fever (87.5%), and chest pain (87.5%).
  • Half of the patients had identifiable extrapulmonary infection sources.
  • Leukocytosis was present in 50% and leukopenia in 12.5% of patients.
  • Anemia was noted in 87.5% of patients, possibly linked to acute illness.
  • Contrasted chest computed tomography showed bilateral emboli in most patients.
  • Echocardiograms were normal for all patients.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 62.5% of cases, and oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in 37.5%.
  • Osteomyelitis was the most common infection source, but the study also reported cavernous sinus thrombosis in children for the first time.
  • Most patients were empirically treated with vancomycin.

Statistics:

  • 8 patients were identified with confirmed septic pulmonary embolism out of 16 encounters between 2000 and 2020 (50% of cases).
  • Patients predominantly presented with shortness of breath (100%).
  • Fever was present in 87.5% of patients.
  • Chest pain was present in 87.5% of patients.
  • Half of the patients had identifiable extrapulmonary infection sources (50%).
  • Leukocytosis was present in 50% of patients, and leukopenia in 12.5% (25% of patients had abnormal blood cell counts).
  • Anemia was noted in 87.5% of patients.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 62.5% of cases.

Sources:

  • Septic Pulmonary Embolism In Pediatric Population: a Case Series With Literature Review. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 2025;44(6):503-505.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA (www.lww.com; journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/default.aspx)
  • Issa Hanna, University of Florida Health, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 655 West 8TH St, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States