Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism Research Articles

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock: one-year outcomes from a cardiac intensive care unit led shock team program

Abstract Background Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used for severe cardiogenic shock (CS). Purpose To describe the initial experience with peripheral VA-ECMO within a cardiac intensivist team led program. Methods Retrospective analysis of a short-term MCS prospective registry, from 1 September 2021 to 1 December 2022. Clinical and device related variables were reviewed and reported. We assessed both patient outcomes as well as ECMO-related complications. Results A total of 21 patients were included in this analysis (50 ± 13 years-old, 80% male), ranging from SCAI-C (n = 8) to E (n = 5) and with a median predicted mortality by SAVE score of -4 points [IQ -6 - 0] (corresponding to 30% in-hospital survival). All cannulations were done percutaneously, mostly by trained cardiac intensivists and while at the CICU (n = 12). A femoro-femoral configuration was used for all patients. One patient was cannulated at the referring hospital and retrieved to our unit for further care. Three patients were cannulated during intra-hospital cardiac arrest and one patient was cannulated while breathing spontaneously (awake-ECMO). Mean venous and arterial cannula sizes were 22 ± 1.9 Fr and 17 ± 1.6 Fr, respectively. A 7 French (Fr) arterial limb reperfusion cannula was used in 85% of cases. The most frequent etiology was acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (n = 7), followed by acute myocardial infarction related CS (n = 5), fulminant myocarditis (n = 2) and massive pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 2). A left ventricle venting device was used in 70% of patients [intra-aortic balloon pump (n = 10); percutaneous microaxial pump ( n = 2)] and upgrade to a veno-arterio-venous configuration was necessary in one patient due to differential hypoxemia. Mean ECMO-run duration was 8.4 ± 4.8 days while mean CICU length of stay was 22 ± 17.9 In-hospital mortality was 40%. In survivors, decannulation was surgical in all but one patient. The most frequent strategy was bridge to recovery (n = 14). One patient was bridged directly to heart transplant, one to a temporary centrifugal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and one to a durable magnetically levitated LVAD. Complications were common and included bleeding from cannula insertion sites (n = 19), renal replacement therapy requirement (n= 10), Harlequin syndrome (n = 2), cardiac tamponade (n = 2), intestinal ischemia (n = 3) and limb ischemia (n = 2). Conclusion VA-ECMO performed by cardiac intensivists is a feasible MCS strategy for severe cardiogenic shock patients in whom mortality, while high, was similar to large international published series. Further experience will allow for improvement in patient selection and minimization of device related complications.ECMO VA 1 year single-center experience

Outcome of massive pulmonary embolism treated only with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and anticoagulation without thrombolytic therapy or surgical embolectomy.

Although thrombolytic therapy is the standard treatment for massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), it is often ineffective in patients with circulatory collapse. Surgical embolectomy is another treatment option, but whether it is absolutely necessary is controversial. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of patients with massive PTE treated with intensive critical care including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) without thrombolytic therapy or surgical embolectomy. We analyzed 39 patients who were treated for massive PTE from January 2011 to June 2019. Massive PTE was treated with anticoagulation and hemodynamic support at an intensive care unit. ECMO was applied in patients with circulatory collapse. The computed tomography (CT) obstruction index and the ratio of the right ventricle to left ventricle short-axis diameters (RV/LV) were measured using serial CT angiography to confirm changes in pulmonary emboli and RV strain. Twenty-one patients were in cardiogenic shock, and 15 of them needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Fifteen patients were treated with ECMO and nine of them were weaned successfully. The overall in-hospital mortality was 23% (9/39). On the follow-up CT scan after 6 months, residual PTE was observed in 10 patients and their median CT obstruction index was 6.25 % (range 2.5-35). The initial mean RV/LV ratio was 1.8 ± 0.47 and the value measured at follow-up CT decreased to less than 1 (0.9 ± 0.1). Intensive critical care with heparin alone and timely ECMO support without thrombolytic therapy could be an effective treatment option in patients with acute massive PTE.

Journey with a 21 weeks primi with acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to possible “Latent Lupus”: an audacious ride

In pregnancy, the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) is increased fivefold when compared to nonpregnant women of the same age, and PE is one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy. However, the diagnosis of PE among pregnant women is complicated by concerns regarding radiation exposure. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with a wide array of presentations and a predilection to affect women of certain ethnic backgrounds. The hallmark of the disease is multisystem involvement, dispersed in time and severity. Usual pulmonary involvement includes pleuritis, pleural effusions, pneumonitis, shrinking lung syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and alveolar hemorrhage. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively unusual presentation of SLE. We report the case of a 20-year-old primi at 21 weeks gestation with an acute PE with central chest pain and shortness of breath. The absence of overt signs and symptoms and traditional risk factors prompted a fragmentary workup. This led to the detection of antibodies sensitive for SLE, in the absence of overt signs and symptoms. We revive the concept of latent lupus, a condition construed as early lupus. We firmly suspect direct causation between SLE and PE. Further studies are needed to establish pathogenesis to facilitate early diagnosis and prevent morbidity and mortality from PE. Due to persistent hypotension, thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase was administered and the clinical and hemodynamic response was excellent, with no maternal or fetal hemorrhagic complications. The clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism is sometimes camouflaged by the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy and diagnosis is often delayed by a reluctance to expose the fetus to ionizing radiation.

Late clinical outcomes of manual aspiration thrombectomy for a massive acute pulmonary thromboembolism

We investigated the late outcomes of patients who underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism. Fifteen patients underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy between December 1995 and June 2002. All patients were discharged after the procedure. Patients' statuses were checked by medical record examinations and telephone interviews. The median follow-up was 162months (116-208months). Five patients died during follow-up; two for malignancy, one for septic shock, one for cerebral infarction, and in one patient the cause of death was unknown. There were no pulmonary thromboembolism-related deaths during the period and no recurrence. The 1-year survival rate was 100%, the 5-year survival rate was 75.0 ± 12.5%, and the 10-year survival rate was 75.0 ± 12.5%. Patients who undergo manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism show acceptable outcomes.

Late Clinical Outcomes of Hybrid Catheter Intervention for Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing hybrid catheter intervention for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism.Material and Methods: Twenty-five patients with hemodynamic impairment were treated with mechanical thrombus fragmentation, an intrapulmonary injection of mt-PA, and manual clot aspiration between August 1999 and June 2002. All patients were discharged after the procedure. Patients’ statuses were checked by medical record examinations and telephone interviews. The median follow-up was 141 months (115-168 months).Results: Ten patients died during follow-up, five for malignancy, three for septic shock, one for cerebral infarction, and one for heart failure. One patient had recurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism because of drug withdrawal by self-judgment. No chronic pulmonary thromboembolism was observed. The 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates were 87.5 ±6.8%, 83.3±7.6%, and 74.5±9.0%, respectively.Conclusion: Patients who undergo hybrid catheter intervention for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism show good long-term outcomes.

Death due to Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism Associated with Risperidone

The antipsychotic drug risperidone, which is extensively used, has also many side effects, as increased risk of stroke, thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism have been reported. We present a case of a 38 year-old-woman with psychiatric disorder who got worse in her home and died in the hospital. Throughout autopsy, during the internal examination, multiple thrombi in the pulmonary artery branches were observed; however, there were no pathology findings in the lower extremity veins. Blood chemistry test revealed 4 ng/ml of risperidone, 37 ng/ml of quetiapine and atropine; chemical examination of urine detected atropine, quetiapine, risperidone. Death occurred due to acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism. We aimed to discuss this case with autopsy and histopathologic findings, laboratory results in medico-legal literature.

Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism Treated by Selective Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of selective catheter-directed thrombolysis (SCDT) in treating acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism (AMPTE). Twenty-six AMPTE patients were enrolled between March 2010 and March 2013. A Uni*Fuse infusion system was inserted into the main pulmonary artery thrombus. The thrombolytic regimen included an intraoperative bolus injection of 250,000 IU urokinase, followed by continuous thrombolytic infusion of 5,000 IU/kg per (every) 24hr urokinase for 72 hr postoperatively. Clinical symptoms, shock index (SI), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), peripheral arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), and Miller index (MI) were assessed before and after treatment. The patients included 16 men and 10 women (49.9±18.8years old; time to onset of 50.2±28.5hr). After thrombolysis, dyspnea and cough were relieved to varying degrees; chest pain, hemoptysis, and syncope disappeared. Importantly, a clinical success rate of 100% was achieved. All objective indices were improved: SI decreased from 1.74±0.38 before operation to 0.71±0.09 postoperatively (P=0.00); PaO2 increased from 52.78±6.92mm Hg to 85.98±5.91mm Hg (P=0.00); sPAP was reduced from 65.19±8.22mm Hg to 34.42±4.05mm Hg (P=0.00); MI dropped from 0.69±0.09 to 0.33±0.06 (P=0.00). Mean total urokinase amounts were 1,298,000 IU for each patient. Postoperative complications included 2 cases of puncture-site hematoma (cured by pressure bandage) and 1 case of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (healed by conservative treatment without blood transfusion). SCDT may be considered a safe and efficacious treatment for AMPTE.

Thrombus in transit causing acute massive pulmonary emboli treated successfully with reteplase administration

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Observation of the right atrial thrombi is a rare condition, which usually accompanies to massive PTE. Urgent treatment strategies for rapid thrombus removal are mandatory in patients presenting with acute massive PTE. In this paper, we present a patient admitting with acute massive PTE to our emergency department, in whom concomitant right atrial thrombus was successfully treated with reteplase.

Endovenous Treatment for Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Treatment for venous thromboembolic conditions differs significantly depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic. Endovenous treatment is now available for treating the most severe cases of acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism, and the goal is rapid central clot removal to relieve life-threatening pulmonary circulation. Endovenous catheter interventions include catheter-directed thrombolysis and catheter-assisted thrombus removal. The latter is divided into aspiration thrombectomy, fragmentation, and rheolytic thrombectomy. Data from cohort studies indicate that the clinical outcome and safety after open surgical treatment and endovenous treatment may be comparable. This paper reviews the current approaches to endovenous treatment for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism, and presents our study of hybrid treatment using a combination of local fibrinolysis, mechanical fragmentation, and clot aspiration.

One case of pulmonary embolectomy in acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism by cardiopulmonary bypass by color ultrasound technique

One case of pulmonary embolectomy in acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism by cardiopulmonary bypass by color ultrasound technique

Efficacy and safety of delayed thrombolytic therapy for acute massive pulmonary throboembolism

To observe the efficacy and safety of delayed thrombolytic therapy on acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and discuss the influence factors. From 2009 to 2013, the clinical data of patients with acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with over 14-day duration and treated with thrombolytic therapy (delayed thrombolytic group) were compared with those within 14-day duration and treated with thrombolytic therapy (normal thrombolytic group) in the same period. General conditions before treatment, case history, efficacy and the incidence of bleeding after one-week treatment were collected. The influence factors of delayed thrombolytic therapy were analyzed. Sixty two cases were collected and divided into the normal thrombolytic group with 32 cases and the delayed thrombolytic group with 30 cases. Compared with the normal thrombolytic group, the delayed thrombolytic group had a longer duration [(24.8 ± 0.9) vs.(7.2 ± 0.6)d, P<0.001], an aggravation time of (5.3 ± 0.8) d, and higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) [(69 ± 4)vs. (55 ± 4)mmHg, 1 mmHg= 0.133 kPa, P= 0.016]. Ages, genders, D-Dimmer, CT subpulmonic obstruction index (CTI), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiactroponinI (TnI), PaCO₂values and PaO₂values had no statistical difference between two groups. After one-week treatment, the efficacy and the incidence of bleeding was 78% and 25% respectively in normal thrombolytic group, while they were 77% and 30% respectively in delayed thrombolytic group, and there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The single factor analysis showed that the delayed thrombolytic group had more patients with hypertension, were older and had a lower PaO₂(P<0.05 or 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not find the predictors of delayed thrombolytic therapy (P>0.05). For acute massive PTE patients with duration over 14 days, increased D-D and new exacerbation of symptoms,delayed thrombolytic therapy had the same efficacy with the normal thrombolytic therapy. The factors for predicting efficacy need further research.

Low-dose tissue plasminogen activator in the treatment of a massive pulmonary thromboembolism in a colon cancer patient treated with bevacizumab: A case report.

The current study describes the fibrinolytic treatment of a patient exhibiting an acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism, who was also receiving a bevacizumab-based combination regimen for metastatic colon cancer. The administration of bevacizumab has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events and bleeding in cancer patients. However, there is insufficient data regarding the safety and activity of thrombolytic agents in cancer patients receiving bevacizumab-based therapy. In the present case, despite the increased risk of bleeding, low-dose and prolonged tissue plasminogen activator infusion was effectively and reliably applied to treat a massive pulmonary embolism, which resulted in hemodynamic instability in the patient.

Management of Cardiac Arrest Caused by Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Cardiac arrest caused by acute pulmonary embolism is associated with high patient mortality. We reviewed patients who had cardiac arrest caused by acute pulmonary embolism. Between January 2001 and September 2013, we identified 20 patients at our institution with a confirmative diagnosis of acute pulmonary thromboembolism and cardiac arrest. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) and surgical embolectomy are the standard course of care for patients with shock or cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary thromboembolism at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups (PCPS group and non-PCPS group). Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was used in 60% of patients. Surgical embolectomy was performed for 85% of patients. Overall in-hospital and surgical mortalities were 35% and 29%, respectively. On the basis of the multivariate analysis, both cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than 15 minutes and absence of PCPS were significant risk factors affecting survival (p = 0.001 and 0.049, respectively). When the duration of cardiac arrest is short, surgical embolectomy is a viable option after cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary thromboembolism. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support may be a useful tool for both stabilizing the patient and providing a bridge when deciding on further management options.

Mechanical clot fragmentation using a Swan–Ganz catheter is useful for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism

Massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is an acute-onset, life-threatening disease in the perioperative period. Massive PE led to severe hypoxemia and cor pulmonale in our patient who had undergone an operation for thalamic hemorrhage. Mechanical clot fragmentation using a Swan–Ganz catheter was attempted, because thrombolytic therapy was contraindicated for our patient. This procedure was successful, resulting in a decrease in pulmonary artery pressure with improvement in hypoxemia. Thus, this procedure may be useful for patients with massive PE with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy.<Learning objective: Here we present the usefulness of mechanical clot fragmentation using a Swan–Ganz catheter for a patient with massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy. This case suggests that the procedure may be a promising method for reducing pulmonary artery pressure and improving hypoxemia in patients with massive PE.>

An autopsy case of acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism due to popliteal venous aneurysm

An autopsy case of acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism due to popliteal venous aneurysm

Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism Due to Acute Intoxication by Duloxetine: A Case Report

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a potent serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used for the management of major depression and pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Cymbalta delayed-release capsules contain Duloxetine HCl equivalent to 20, 30, 60mg of Duloxetine. The ingestion of high quantities of Duloxetine may have serious outcomes such as venous thrombosis, causing cardiac respiratory arrest. The Authors outline a case report of an elderly woman, suffering from depression, found dead in her apartment. The cause of death was attributed to acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism due to acute intoxication of Duloxetine bought the day before. The thesis supported by the authors and confirmed by the data from other studies is that a massive intake of Duloxetine drug increases considerably the medication's side effects such as somnolence, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, constipation, considerable increases in recumbent systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a small decrease in heart rate.

Improved Outcome of Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy by Aggressive Intervention for Critically Ill Patients

Acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism is a life-threatening disorder, and prompt treatment is necessary. We analyzed the outcome of pulmonary embolectomy for massive pulmonary embolism. Nineteen patients who underwent pulmonary embolectomy were retrospectively investigated. Average age of patients was 59 years, and 79% were female. Most patients had massive or submassive pulmonary thromboemboli dislodging into the main pulmonary trunk or bilateral main pulmonary arteries. Hemodynamics of most patients were unstable. Two patients required percutaneous cardiopulmonary support before embolectomy, and 4 required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In 6 patients, thrombolysis was ineffective. All patients underwent emergent pulmonary embolectomy. Operative mortality was 5.3%. No patients exhibited newly developed neurologic damage. Ten-year survival rate was 83.5% ± 8.7%. Pulmonary embolectomy saves critically ill patients having acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism. We must evaluate pulmonary embolism patients with an algorithm that includes surgical embolectomy as one of several therapeutic options.

RESULTS OF TENEKTEPLASE USE IN MASSIVE PULMONARY THROMBOEMBOLISM. CLINICAL CASE

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) — a life-threatening condition that can lead to death at any age. PTE — is not an independent disease, but it is a complication of venous thromboembolism. Conflicting opinions about the possibility of using tissue plasminogen activator (tenekteplase) expressed in the literature. Clinical case of the tenekteplase use in 42 years old woman with acute massive PTE and its results are described. PTE in the case was observed simultaneously with diabetic ketoacidosis. Full resolution of this thrombus according to computer pulmonary angiography was observed in patient hospitalized within 24 hours after symptom onset. This is one of the first cases of effective application of the tenekteplase in patients with massive PTE and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Interventional Radiology for the Treatment of Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Interventional Radiology for the Treatment of Acute Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Desmoteplase in acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism

Alteplase is standard therapy for patients with acute, massive pulmonary embolism. The novel plasminogen activator desmoteplase displays high fibrin specificity and selectivity for fibrinbound plasminogen. In a preclinical model desmoteplase was twice as potent with a shorter lysis time and lower reocclusion rate. We conducted a phase II study comparing 125, 180, and 250 microg/kg bodyweight desmoteplase with 100 mg alteplase. Efficacy criteria were total pulmonary resistance (TPR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), and Miller Index. Intention to treat analysis of 34 patients. The reduction of TPR after 24 hours was comparable between desmoteplase 180 microg/kg and alteplase (-48.0 +/- 22.4 vs. -50.4 +/- 16.3%; p = n.s. vs. alteplase; p = 0.0002 and p<0.0001 vs. baseline). The greatest effect was achieved with desmoteplase 250 microg/kg (-56.0 +/- 29.4%; p = n.s. vs. alteplase, p = 0.0055 vs. baseline). Two hours after treatment PAP was reduced by 27.9 (p = 0.0004 vs. baseline) and 30.4% (p = 0.015 vs. baseline) with the higher doses of desmoteplase and 29.6% with alteplase (p = 0.0006 vs. baseline). Further PAP reduction after 6 hours was most pronounced in the desmoteplase 250 microg/kg group (-40.1 +/- 18.0%; p = 0.0028 vs. baseline). The reduction of the Miller Index was greatest using desmoteplase 250 microg/kg (-35.0 +/- 21.7%; p = 0.011 vs. baseline), and alteplase (-41.6 +/- 27.2%; p = 0.0003 vs. baseline). Safety did not differ among the 4 groups. The study results suggest that desmoteplase at doses of 180 and 250 microg/kg had similar or greater efficacy compared to alteplase 100 mg. Onset of action was faster, safety was comparable.