Pediatric Behçet's disease and intracardiac thrombosis

Abstract

Introduction

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare multisystemic vasculitis in children, primarily affecting the mucocutaneous tissues, joints and eyes. Although uncommon, cardiovascular involvement can be a potentially severe complication.

Method

To report the clinical presentation of cardiac involvement revealing pediatric BD, we present the case of a child who developed two intracardiac thrombi in the right ventricle in the context of a history of intracranial thrombosis.

Results

During the management of acute dyspnea in a 13-year-old boy, chest computed tomography and echocardiography revealed two intracardiac thrombi: one measuring 38 × 24 mm at the apex of the right ventricle, and another in the right ventricle outflow tract measuring 21 × 13 mm. Combining these findings with the patient's medical history (cerebral venous thrombosis) and physical examination (oral ulcers and ocular involvement), the diagnosis of BD was made. Treatment included a combination of anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Cardiac thrombosis in children is rare. The clinical context of multisystemic and progressive involvement supports its association with BD.