Zu-Liang He, Zi-Xuan Huang, Ya-Qiong He
First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University and Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital.
China
Pediatric Neurology
Pediatr Neurol 2026; 183: 186-188
DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2026.07.029
Abstract
Background: Brain abscess secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is rare in children and may be the first manifestation of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, imaging examinations, and diagnostic process of a child with brain abscess associated with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and HHT.
Results: A 12-year-old boy presented with fever, headache, and limb weakness. Brain abscess was diagnosed, and antimicrobial therapy was initiated. Laboratory testing revealed fungal infection and erythrocytosis. Further evaluation identified a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Although the family history was initially unremarkable, physical examination revealed facial telangiectasia, recurrent epistaxis, and digital clubbing in his father, fulfilling the Curaçao criteria for HHT.
Conclusions: Right-to-left shunt should be considered in children with brain abscess of unclear origin. Early recognition of underlying HHT is critical for timely diagnosis and management.
Category
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations
Genetic Factors Associated with Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
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