Polyarteritis Nodosa in Infancy – Generalized Vascular Problem Diagnosed after Initial Cardiac Manifestation in Emergency Cardiovascular Catheterization
Ireneusz Haponiuk *
Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Mikolaj Kopernik Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland and Department of Physiotherapy, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Poland
Maciej Chojnicki
Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Mikolaj Kopernik Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland
Konrad Paczkowski
Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Mikolaj Kopernik Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland
Radosław Jaworski
Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Mikolaj Kopernik Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland
Mariusz Steffens
Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Mikolaj Kopernik Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland
Katarzyna Gierat-Haponiuk
Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Coronary artery diseases in children are uncommon, but in selected cases general vascular problems also affect the heart.
Case: We present the case of 4-month old girl admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit after the incident of cardiac arrest and ventricular tachycardia, who underwent diagnostic catheterization due to cardiac ischemia. Coronary angiography showed changes in coronary arteries in the form of disseminated aneurysms, mixed with severely stenosed segments. General angiography discovered also changes in the number of peripheral arteries, with the most significant right subclavian and left iliac artery aneurysms.
Results: Upon angiographic images and a history of untreated infection, polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) was diagnosed, with an appropriate administration of intensive treatment.
Conclusion: The case prove the significance of invasive cardiovascular diagnostics (cardiac catheterization) in every unclear clinical course.
Keywords: Cardiovascular imaging, emergency, interventional cardiology