To Give or Not to Give: Thrombolysis for Massive Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient with Profound Anaemia

Mechanical Fragmentation and Pharmacologic Thrombolysis in Massive Pulmonary Embolism

AimsCurrent British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines only recommend thrombolysis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients who are haemodynamically compromised. Newer evidence suggests a mortality benefit for the thrombolysis of sub-massive PE with right ventricular strain. We wanted to assess the outcome and safety of thrombolysis in patients with sub-massive PE in a DGH.MethodsThe notes for patients with sub-massive PE and thrombolysis from a two-year period were reviewed. Evidence of right ventricular strain and myocardial necrosis based on bedside echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scan and troponin T were indications for thrombolysis.ResultsA total of 22 patients had thrombolysis of PE in the study period (56±14 years). Fourteen patients were classified as sub-massive PE (55±15 years). Out of eight patients who had thrombolysis of massive PE (58±14 years), three were initially classified as sub-massive PE but deteriorated within the next 48 hours and became haemodynamically unstable. In all patients, the diagnosis was confirmed with a CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).Mean troponin was 82 in the sub-massive PE group and 102 in the massive PE group. The clinical condition and haemodynamic of patients improved rapidly within a few hours after thrombolysis.Post-thrombolysis echocardiography was performed, 17 patients had normal right ventricles with normal pulmonary arterial pressures.ConclusionThrombolysis of sub-massive pulmonary embolism is feasible in a district general hospital and seems to be a safe procedure, particularly in younger patients. It results in rapid improvement in the clinical condition of patients with a small incidence of bleeding complications.

Successful thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism after pulmonary resection

Cerebral infarction following thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism

Effectiveness of thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism with an atrial septal defect

BackgroundAcute pulmonary thromboembolism is the most dangerous presentation of venous thromboembolic disease. The role of thrombolysis in massive pulmonary embolism has been studied extensively, but the same is not there for submassive pulmonary embolism. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of thrombolysis in acute submassive pulmonary embolism. This was a prospective, case-control, observational study. Patients presenting with acute submassive pulmonary embolism were divided into thrombolysis group and control group depending on whether they received thrombolysis plus anticoagulation or anticoagulation only, respectively.ResultsA total of 86 patients were included in the study. Forty-two patients were in the thrombolysis group, and 44 patients were in the control group. The mean ± SD age in the control and thrombolysis groups was 63.3 ± 14.7 and 56.4 ± 13.8 years, respectively. The two groups were well matched in sex distribution and associated comorbidities like COPD, active surgery, major trauma, and immobilization. On echocardiography, dilated RA/RV in pre-treatment vs. post-treatment was seen in 20 (45.5%) vs. 20 (45.5%) in the control group and 26 (61.9%) vs. 11 (26.2%) in the thrombolysis group. Similarly, RV systolic dysfunction in pre-treatment vs. post-treatment was seen in 24 (54.5%) vs. 21 (47.7%) in the control group and 22 (52.4%) vs. 8 (19.0%) in the thrombolysis group. Pulmonary artery pressure in pre-treatment vs. post-treatment was 64.4 ± 15.0 vs. 45.9 ± 9.9 mmHg in the control group and 68.3 ± 17.4 vs. 31.4 ± 6.9 mmHg in the thrombolysis group. In control vs. thrombolysis group, there were 5 vs. 1 death, 6 vs. 1 hemodynamic decompensation, and 6 vs. 1 patient needing mechanical ventilation.ConclusionThrombolysis in submassive pulmonary embolism is associated with better right ventricular functions, lower pulmonary artery pressures, and comparable mortality rates.

Background Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of death after myocardial infarction (MI), and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) (1). For patients who are at risk of major bleeding such as advanced age, recent operation or delivery or major trauma, strategies to minimise bleeding risk should be considered, including catheter directed thrombolysis therapy (2) in reduced dose. Death from massive PE often occurs within the first two hours, and the risk remains elevated for up to 72 hours after presentation (3,4). Thirty-day survival following the diagnosis of a PE is only estimated to be 59.1%, and despite advances in medical care, in-hospital mortality from acute PE has remained stable over the past decade (5). Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a novel treatment option for massive/sub massive pulmonary embolism as systemic thrombolysis for acute PE carries up to 20% risk of major bleeding, including 2-5% risk of hemorrhagic stroke (6). Purpose To determine the clinical outcomes of catheter directed thrombolysis in patients with massive/ sub massive pulmonary embolism. Methods We conducted a retrospective quantitative study of 15 patients who presented with massive pulmonary embolism. A systematic random sampling was done to select the patients at advanced age, recent operation or first 2 weeks post labour with high bleeding risk, clinical data was recorded. All patients were taken to Cath lab with right heart catheterization, RA, RV and PA pressure were measured. Swan-Ganz catheter were placed in the main pulmonary trunk in case of bilateral PE, or sub-selective in the culprit branch. Alteplase infusion was given for 24-72 hours until proof for significant lysis of the clot. Clinical success defined as: 1. Stabilization of hemodynamics 2. Improvement in pulmonary systolic pressures, D-Dimer, TAPSE, RV/LV ratio and repeat CT findings 3. Survival to hospital discharge 4. Improvement in 30-day morbidity and mortality. Results There were no death on the trial group at discharge or at 30 days follow up. There were significant improvement of RV size and function elucidated by improvement of RV/LV ratio which were reduced from 1.06±0.18 to 0.89±0.2, TAPSE increased from 14.07±1.6 to 17.6±2.2, p < 0.01. There was significant drop in systolic pulmonary pressure(sPA) 67±14.5 mmHg to 38±14.5mmHg, p<0.001. The improvement of RV function and reduced sPA pressure were associated with increase in D-Dimer by at least 35% post thrombolysis, p<0.001. Conclusion Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) improves clinical outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism with minimal risk of minor bleeding, and rapid recovery of right ventricular dysfunction. There were no major bleeding or death noticed in the treatment group and at one month follow up. In experienced centres, CDT is a safe and an effective treatment for both massive and/ or submassive PE. Echocardiography findings before CDT Echocardiography findings after CDT

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is defined as sustained hypotension, not due to the cause other than PE, pulselessness, or persistent profound bradycardia. Therefore, although PE exhibits variable clinical course, massive PE is a life-threatening condition of which in-hospital mortality reaches over 15% and which consequently requires thrombolysis as well as anticoagulation. According to recent guidelines of PE, systemic thrombolysis is recommended over no such therapy in patients with massive PE who do not have a high bleeding risk. Currently, continuous infusion of alteplase over 2 hours plus anticoagulation using unfractionated heparin constitutes a standard regimen. When systemic thrombolysis is failed or contraindicated, patients with massive PE can undergo surgical embolectomy or catheter-directed thrombolysis, if specialist services and expertise are available. In addition, hemodynamic and respiratory supports, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, are needed for successful treatment of massive PE. Keywords: Heparin, Hypotension, Pulmonary embolism, Tissue plasminogen activator

We present a case of massive acute pulmonary embolism where contrast enhanced helical CT was compared with standard angiography for diagnosis and for monitoring subsequent response to thrombolytic therapy. There was very close concordance of the findings on these modalities suggesting that contrast enhanced helical CT may be an easy and reliable alternative to standard angiography.

Treatment options in massive pulmonary embolism during pregnancy; A case-report and review of literature

Background: As a physiologic plasminogen activator, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) could induce effective thrombolysis in massive pulmonary embolism, without the risk of systemic hemorrhage. However, therapeutic doses of t-PA has been associated with systemic lytic state, and fibrin selectivity may be influenced by the dosing regimen of t-PA. To investigate the effects of duration of t-PA infusion on blood coagulation system, we performed this study. Method: In a canine model of pulmonary embolism, which was induced by injection of autologous blood clots, we administered equal doses of t-PA (1 mg/kg) over 15 minutes in group, over 180 minutes in group, and only saline in control group. Then serial blood samplings were made to check complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrin, plasminogen, -antiplasmin, coagulation factor V and VIII, and fibrin(ogen) degradation products. Results: 1) In all 3 groups, complete blood count showed same changes. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count decreased, but WBC count increased. 2) Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time were prolonged during 15-60 minutes after t-PA administration in group, and from 30 minutes through 180 minutes after administration in gorup. 3) Fibrin, -antiplasmin, and cogulation factor V and VIII decreased in both and group, but returned to basal levels earlier in group. 4) Fibrin(ogen) degradation products increased after pulmonary embolism in all groups, and further increased in both and groups after t-PA infusion. But more pronounced increment was noted in gorup. Conclusion: In pulmonary embolism, the shorter (15 minutes) infusion of t-PA would have less risk of systemic hemorrhage than the longer (180 minutes) infusion when the doses is equal. And, this suggests that manipulating the duration of t-PA infusion can reduce the risk of major bleeding.

Rational:Thrombolysis in primigravida with hemodynamic instability is controversial, especially treatment with low-dosage recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), and related studies are extremely rare. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old primigravida diagnosed with an acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE) that prompted initiation of thrombolysis with low-dose alteplase.Patient concerns:The patient was admitted to the Emergency Department with chief complaints of a sudden onset of extremely dyspnea, chest tightness, and confusion over a 6-hour period. She was found to have significant dilation of her right ventricle, moderate pulmonary arterial hypotension, as shown by transthoracic echocardiography, and a typical S1-Q3-T3 pattern, as shown by electrocardiogram (ECG).Diagnosis:Acute massive PE in primigravida.Intervention:The patient underwent intravenous thrombolysis with a half dose of alteplase.Outcomes:The fetus lived through this severe event during the mother's stay in the Intensive Care Unit; however, surgical abortion was unexpectedly proposed due to long-term hypoxia and high-risk of relapse and exacerbation and was performed successfully after the agreement of her kin. The patient recovered gradually, and results of her laboratory tests and postsurgical, repeated contrast-enhanced computed tomography had normalized by her 3-month follow-up.Lessons:Administration of low-dosage alteplase in primigravida with hemodynamic instability is extremely rare and controversial; however, our case suggests that this treatment strategy is relatively safe and feasible. In addition, nonradiometric examination played a major role in the diagnosis of PE in this patient. Because radiation use is contraindicated during pregnancy, these examinations could be the first choice for pregnant patients with suspected PE.

Pregnant women are at high risk for venous thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism (PE), given expected changes in coagulation, fibrinolysis, and venous blood flow. In fact, PE is the leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Nonpregnant patients who develop PE with hypotension or show signs of deterioration after anticoagulation receive thrombolytics as a standard of care. Pregnant women, however, have been excluded from clinical trials with thrombolytics, and all data available in this population are published as case reports or case series. We reviewed all reports of thrombolytics, systemic or catheter directed, used in pregnant patients with massive PE. This article summarizes the risks for thromboembolism in pregnancy, compares and contrasts thrombolytic agents in this setting, and provides a recommendation for management of massive PE in this special population. Overall, reports suggest that the use of these agents is associated with beneficial outcomes and a relatively low risk of complications. The quality of this evidence is low, and clinical judgment is required to assess individual patients for risks versus benefits of thrombolysis.

We present a challenging cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenario of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a 21-year-old healthy woman recovering from a lower limb fracture who collapsed during a rehabilitation session at a community center. The combination of witnessed arrest, administration of immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and effective communication to emergency services enabled a timely cannulation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation reference center. The cause of the cardiac arrest was pulmonary embolism, and the intensive care unit team opted for thrombolysis when she arrived after 40 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The circulatory support given by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation enabled adequate perfusion until the restoration of cardiac blood flow at 75 minutes after cardiac arrest. Despite the initial success, several life-threatening complications occurred. Anticoagulation is of paramount importance during extracorporeal support, as is thrombolysis in massive pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest. However, this led to several complications. We highlight the importance of liaising with a wider team in such cases, including hepatobiliary surgery, vascular surgery, and interventional radiology, as doing so saved this patient’s life without deficits.

The case of a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation with using thrombolysis in massive pulmonary embolism in puerperant after cesarean section