Arterial thrombosis in children

Arterial thromboembolism is rare in children. The frequency of arterial thromboembolisms has paralleled the advances in pediatric tertiary care with increasing numbers of children surviving life-threatening primary illnesses and, paradoxically, developing previously rare complications. The pathophysiology of thrombosis in children differs from that of adults, underscoring the need for a unique diagnostic and therapeutic approach in pediatrics. This review is a summary of the available data on the etiology, diagnosis and management of arterial thrombosis, occurring outside of the CNS, in children.