Primary brain tumor and risk of venous thromboembolism.

Abstract

e13518 Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is frequently associated with primary brain tumors (PBT). Brain tumors have been associated with higher rates of VTE in multiple studies. Studies comparing VTE incidence in meningioma (MEN), astrocytoma (AA), oligodendroglioma (OG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are lacking. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the VTE outcomes in all of the above brain tumors. Methods: Retrospective data from 476 patients with PBTs diagnosed between 1995-2015 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport was analyzed. The incidence of VTE (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) was studied in these patients. Results: Out of 476 patients, 298 were females and 179 were male. One hundred and twenty seven (127) patients had GBM, 52 had AA, 33 had OG and 264 had MEN. Only two patients out of 264 with MEN had VTE (one patient had central line catheter associated DVT). VTE incidence did not correlate with the type of primary treatment i.e surgery verses radiation verses observation in this patient group. The incidence of VTE was 7.8 % in GBM patients. The risk of VTE in AA and OG patients were 7.7% and 9.0 % respectively. The VTE event in the OG, AA and GBM occurred during all phases of treatment including inpatient hospitalization for surgical resection, during concurrent chemo-radiation and in maintenance phase. Biopsy versus partial resection versus complete resection of GBM didn’t correlate with VTE occurrence. Conclusions: VTE is prevalent among adult patients with both low and high grade glial tumors. The thrombotic events occur during all phases of therapy indicating hypercoagulable state for many patients. Life-long anticoagulation may be necessary in these patients with thrombotic events. Thrombotic events in patients with MEN, however, are rare ( < 1%). MEN do not appear to be a hypercoagulable and life-long anticoagulation is probably unnecessary in those with VTE.