Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus in pediatric patients with large upper extremity venous malformations

Patients with large venous malformations are at risk for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. Currently, there is no general consensus on the proper treatment for these patients. We present 3 preadolescent patients with large upper extremity venous malformations, who developed deep venous thrombosis; 2 had documented pulmonary emboli, one of which was fatal. It is imperative that patients and families be educated regarding the potential life-threatening sequelae that may be associated with these large vascular malformations.