Abstract

Protein S deficiency is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism. Unprovoked life-threatening pulmonary embolism is uncommon in children; however, it can pose a diagnostic challenge, presenting in a non-specific and subtle way, masked by lack of typical presentation. Therefore, it is important for pediatrician to consider pulmonary embolism as a differential diagnosis for young patients presenting with severe unexplained parasternal chest pain with strong family history of thrombophilia and to have a low threshold for requesting appropriate investigations. Here we present a young patient with acute pulmonary embolism who was finally diagnosed as Type III Protein S deficiency.

Keywords: Protein S deficiency; Pulmonary Embolism; Venous Thromboembolism; Thrombosis