Persistent tachypnea in children: Keep pulmonary embolism in mind

Purpose: Tachypnea in children is associated with respiratory disorders and nonrespiratory disorders such as cardiac disease, metabolic acidosis, feve r, pain, and anxiety. Pulmonary embolism is seldom considered by pediatrici ans as a cause of tachypnea. Patients and Methods: Three children of various ages with persistent tachyp nea are described: a girl after orthopedic surgery for kyphoscoliosis, a bo y with nephrotic syndrome, and a neonate with Hirschsprung disease. Other c auses of tachypnea were diagnosed and treated before pulmonary embolism was considered. Results: Ventilation-perfusion scanning appeared to be highly probable for pulmonary embolism in these patients. Anticoagulant therapy was started. Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism should be kept in mind in children with tach ypnea, especially when other risk factors for venous thromboembolism are pr esent, to avoid delay in anticoagulant treatment and a fatal outcome.