Polyarteritis Nodosa in Infancy – Generalized Vascular Problem Diagnosed after Initial Cardiac Manifestation in Emergency Cardiovascular Catheterization

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.