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Massive Pulmonary Embolism as a Rare Cause of Sudden Infant Death: Medico-legal Implications

Sahnoun M, Jedidi M, Gorgi M, Guerfala M, Masmoudi T, Ben Dhiab M and Souguir MK

Sudden death in infants by pulmonary embolism is rarely reported and is often poorly described in literature.

We report the case of an eight-month infant, without past medical history who was admitted into the Emergency Department of a Peripheral Health Center for dyspnea. The diagnosis of bronchopneumopathy was retained. Few hours later, he presented an exacerbation of dyspnea and a marked cyanosis soon followed by death. The autopsy revealed large, obstructive and adherent emboli were found extending into both pulmonary arteries and an associated supportive bronchopneumopathy.

The aim of this reported case is to highlight how much diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be misleading especially in infant without any risk factor. We discuss also the doctor’s responsibility.