Thromboembolic Complications of Rheumatic Fever in Childhood

¹ Santa Fe, New Mexico

Two cases of thromboembolic complications of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in childhood are presented. In both instances, severe rheumatic heart disease and active rheumatic carditis existed. The first case was complicated by a cerebrovascular accident, most likely as a result of embolism, from which the patient recovered. The complication in the second case was that of multiple pulmonary emboli originating from a thrombus in the right axillary vein, resulting in death. Although thromboembolic complications are unusual in infants and children, it is important that their possible occurrence, particularly in children with severe heart disease, be appreciated. Venous thromboses in these children, regardless of their location, should be considered potentially dangerous.