Concurrent Deep Venous Thrombosis Research Articles

Prognosis of incidental pulmonary embolism vs. symptomatic pulmonary embolism in cancer patients: a single-center retrospective cohort study in China

BackgroundThe incidence of incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE) has greatly increased, but its clinical characteristics and outcomes are still controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes between cancer patients with IPE and patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (SPE).Patients/MethodsClinical data of 180 consecutive patients with cancer complicated with pulmonary embolism admitted to Beijing Cancer Hospital from July 2011 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected and analysed. General characteristics, diagnosis time of pulmonary embolism (PE), location of PE, concurrent deep venous thrombosis, anticoagulant treatment, impact of PE on anti-tumor treatment, recurrent venous thromboembolism, rate of bleeding after anticoagulation therapy, survival and risk factors of IPE were compared with SPE.ResultsOf 180 patients, 88 (49%) had IPEs and 92 (51%) had SPEs. Patients with IPE and SPE did not differ in age, sex, tumor type, or tumor stage. Median diagnosis times of IPE and SPE after cancer were 108 (45, 432) days and 90 (7, 383) days, respectively. Compared to SPE, IPE tended to be central (44% versus 26%; P < 0.001), isolated (31.8% versus 0.0%; P < 0.001), and unilateral (67.1% versus 12.8%; P < 0.00). The rate of bleeding after anticoagulation therapy did not differ between IPE and SPE. Patients with IPE had a better prognosis than patients with SPE in terms of 30-, and 90-day mortality, as well as overall survival after diagnosis of PE (median: 314.5 vs. 192.0 days, log-rank P = 0.004) and cancer (median: 630.0 vs. 450.5 days, log-rank P = 0.018). SPE (compared to IPE) was an independent risk factor for poor survival after diagnosis of PE in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.564, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.008–2.425, p = 0.046).ConclusionsIPE accounts for nearly one half of PE cases among Chinese cancer patients. With active anticoagulation treatment, IPE is expected to achieve better survival rates than SPE.

Abstract 10816: Causal Effect of Atrial Fibrillation on Cardiovascular Diseases - A Mendelian Randomization Analysis in the Million Veteran Program

Introduction: Observational studies have implicated atrial fibrillation (AF) as a risk factor for a number of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Whether AF is causally related to these CVD is unknown. Methods: We included participants with both electronic health record-derived phenotypes and imputed genotype data in this study. A genetic instrument for AF consisting of 406 common variants was derived using a pruning and thresholding method (r2&lt;0.3; p-value &lt;5x10-8) on the 2018 AF Genetics Consortium GWAS summary statistics. 1- and 2-sample MR analyses were performed. In 2-sample MR, the inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary analysis. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed to account for potential violations of the instrumental variable assumptions. Results: We included 615,635 participants in the study (440,690 European, 118,531 African, 48,908 Hispanic, 7,506 Asian ancestry). Genetic risk of AF was associated with heart failure in both 1-sample (OR/log odds of genetically predicted AF =1.18, 95% CI 1.15 - 1.20) and 2-sample MR (OR/log odds of genetically predicted AF =1.13, 95% CI 1.11 - 1.15). Additionally, genetic risk of AF was associated with heart failure subtypes and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. There was no association between genetic risk of AF and pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), however, genetic risk of AF was associated with PE after excluding individuals with concurrent or prior DVT (OR1-sample MR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.15; OR2-sample MR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.08). Lastly, we confirmed an association between genetic risk of AF and ischemic stroke but not all-cause dementia. Our results were robust to a number of sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: In a large multi-ancestry study, we delineate the potential causal contribution of AF to a number of CVD and highlight support for a causal association between AF and isolated PE. Our findings inform how prevention and treatment of AF may affect CVD incidence and outcomes.

LARGE SADDLE PULMONARY EMBOLUS IN AN ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENT

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Pulmonary Vascular Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a mechanical obstruction of one or more branches of the pulmonary vasculature, usually due to a blood clot. Saddle PE lodges at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, often extending into the right and left main pulmonary arteries. Approximately 3 to 6 percent of patients with PE present with a saddle embolus. We report an atypical case of asymptomatic large saddle PE with normal right heart function. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old male with history of diabetes, OSA, hypertension, obesity and family history of Factor V Leiden mutation presented with 1-day history of progressively worsening left leg pain and swelling. He denied any fevers, chills, SOB, cough or palpitations, recent surgery, or long car rides. On physical examination, the patient was comfortable, alert and oriented, afebrile, respiratory rate 21/minute, saturating 97% on room air. Laboratory workup was insignificant. EKG showed sinus tachycardia. Venous scan of left lower extremity revealed subacute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) involving the left femoral and popliteal veins. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli with large saddle. 2D ECHO revealed normal left ventricle (LV) systolic function with ejection fraction >55% and normal right ventricle (RV) size and function. Patient was started on heparin drip and switched to Eliquis. He was discharged home in a stable condition. DISCUSSION: Saddle PE is a radiologic definition and refers to thrombus that straddles the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery trunk. Saddle PE is found in 2.6% to 5.4% of patients with PE.1,2 Patients with saddle PE presented more frequently with concurrent DVT on hospital admission (75%).3 The presenting symptoms are dyspnea (72%), syncope (43%). Our patient presented with progressive left leg swelling and pain with DVT and no respiratory symptoms. Alkinj et al in 20172 had reported that 18% of patients with saddle PE had normal RV systolic function. One third patients had hemodynamic instability fulfilling the definition of massive PE unlike in our patient. Our patient was hemodynamically stable and had normal RV function, the risk of bleeding outweighed the benefits of fibrinolytic therapy, therefore this patient was managed with conventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite looking sinister in appearance on imaging studies, patients with saddle pulmonary embolus may be nearly asymptomatic, hemodynamically stable and can be successfully managed with conventional treatment. Reference #1: Ryu JH, Pellikka PA, Froehling DA, Peters SG, Aughenbaugh GL.Saddle pulmonary embolism diagnosed by CT angiography: frequency,clinical features and outcome. Respir Med. 2007;101(7):1537-1542. Reference #2: Alkinj B, Pannu BS, Apala DR, Kotecha A, Kashyap R, Iyer VN. Saddle vs Nonsaddle Pulmonary Embolism: Clinical Presentation, Hemodynamics, Management, and Outcomes. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(10):1511-1518. Reference #3: Girard P, Musset D, Parent F, Maitre S, Phlippoteau C, Simonneau G. High prevalence of detectable deep venous thrombosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Chest 1999;116:903-8. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Salil Avasthi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by DEEPTI AVASTHI, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Rathnavali Katragadda, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shanti Pittampalli, source=Web Response

Characterization of profunda femoris vein thrombosis

ObjectiveThe incidence of and risk factors for profunda femoris vein (PFV) thrombosis are poorly characterized. We prospectively identified patients with PFV deep venous thrombosis (DVT) to characterize the demographics and anatomic distribution of proximal DVT in patients with PFV DVT. MethodsA prospective study was conducted of patients at a tertiary care university hospital with DVT diagnosed by venous duplex ultrasound scanning between June 2014 and June 2015. DVT patients were categorized as having PFV involvement (yes or no), and the anatomic distribution of other sites of ipsilateral venous thrombi was further stratified to determine whether there was external iliac vein (EIV), common femoral vein (CFV), or femoropopliteal vein (FPV) DVT. Demographic characteristics of the patients were compared between groups, PFV DVT vs proximal DVT without PFV DVT. ResultsOf 4584 lower extremity venous duplex ultrasound studies performed, 398 (8.7%) scans were positive for proximal DVT from 260 patients; 23.1% of patients with DVT (60/260) had DVT involving the PFV. Of 112 patients who had CFV DVT, 55 (49.1%) also had ipsilateral involvement of the PFV. Of 60 patients with PFV DVT, 55 (91.7%) had involvement of the ipsilateral CFV. Patients in the PFV DVT group were more likely to have a history of a hypercoagulable disorder (26.7% vs 14.5%; P = .029) and a history of immobility (58.3% vs 42%; P = .026) compared with those with proximal DVT without PFV DVT. There were no differences in smoking, recent surgery, personal or family history of DVT, other medical comorbidities, inpatient status, or survival. There was no difference in laterality of DVT between the PFV DVT and proximal DVT without PFV DVT groups (35% vs 41.5% left, 35% vs 33.5% right, 30% vs 25% bilateral; P = .619). There was a higher proportion of PFV DVT with EIV involvement (21.7% vs 2.5%; P < .00001) and a higher proportion of PFV DVT with CFV + FPV involvement (65.0% vs 19%; P < .00001) compared with proximal DVT without PFV DVT. There was no difference in survival between the PFV DVT and proximal DVT without PFV DVT groups. ConclusionsPatients with PFV thrombosis tend to have more thrombus burden with more frequent concurrent DVT in the EIV and FPV. Patients with PFV DVT are also more likely to have a history of hypercoagulable disorder and immobility. Ultrasound protocols for assessment of DVT should include routine examination of the PFV as a potential marker of a more virulent prothrombotic state.

Abstract 83: Etiology of Late Right-to-Left Shunting on Transcranial Doppler in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: An echocardiogram or transcranial Doppler (TCD) bubble study to test for a right-to-left shunt (RLS) is a standard component of an ischemic stroke workup. Because the pathway for an intracradiac RLS, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is more direct, it has been proposed that the late appearance of a RLS suggests an extracardiac pathway. We sought to characterize a cohort of ischemic stroke patients with late RLS (LRLS) on TCD. Methods: We searched the medical record of a Comprehensive Stroke Center for patients with ischemic stroke who had a TCD and echocardiogram bubble study during 2011-2013. LRLS was defined as TCD bubbles appearing more than 18 cardiac cycles after contrast injection. TOAST stroke etiology classification was performed by a vascular neurologist blinded to TCD results. Results: 124 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 67/124 (54%) had RLS on TCD; and 32/67 (48%) had LRLS. In the 35/67 patients with normal RLS on TCD, 23% did not have RLS on echocardiography, consistent with prior reports of TCD’s superiority for detecting RLS. In the 32/67 patients with LRLS on TCD, 56% were negative for RLS by echocardiography. In the cohort of 124 patients, the percentage of TOAST classification 4 (stroke of other determined cause) was 26%, while in the 32 patients with LRLS the percentage of TOAST 4 was significantly higher at 52%(p=0.005) (Table 1). The increase in TOAST 4 in LRLS patients was created by an even distribution of decreases in the other TOAST categories. The most common TOAST 4 stroke etiology in LRLS patients was PFO with concurrent deep venous thrombosis. Conclusion: This preliminary data supports prior studies that have shown superiority of TCD over echocardiography for detection of RLS, and challenge the prevailing notion that extracardiac shunt, such as pulmonary AVM, is the most common cause of LRLS in ischemic stroke patients. This subgroup of patients warrants further research to clarify mechanisms of ischemic stroke in patients with RLS.

Clinical features and misdiagnosis of connective tissue disease plus pulmonary embolism

To evaluate the clinical features and reasons of misdiagnosis of connective tissue disease plus pulmonary embolism (PE). The clinical data were reviewed retrospectively for 22 hospitalized patients with connective tissue disease and PE from February 2006 to March 2014. And the features of onset, clinical and laboratory characteristics, imaging tests and causes of misdiagnosis were analyzed. There were 12 males and 10 females with an average age of (36.2 ± 14.2) years. And 12 (54.5%) PE patients had concurrent deep venous thrombosis. Antiphospholipid syndrome and Behcet's disease were the major causes of connective tissue disease. Chest distress, palpitation and extremity swelling were initial symptoms. There were elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (n = 11, 50.0%), elevated C-reactive protein (n = 8, 36.4%) and abnormal autoantibody (n = 15, 68.2%) respectively. Computed tomography showed pulmonary arteries stenosis, occlusion and aneurismal dilation. Eighteen (81.8%) patients had pulmonary hypertension with a systolic pulmonary pressure of (72 ± 20) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). And 3 of them presented severity of pulmonary pressure non-matched to the degree of pulmonary vascular involvement. And 18 (81.8%) patients with connective tissue disease were missed due to a lack of typical symptoms and physician understanding of disease before admission. Three (13.6%) patients had a misdiagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. The median time of diagnosis was 12 months. Connective tissue disease may develop PE as the initial symptom. And some patients lack typical clinical manifestations of connective tissue disease. It should raise an alert with the physicians.

A case of concurrent deep venous thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, and extremity abscess in an intravenous methamphetamine abuser

Introduction. Intravenous drug abuse is a global concern with an estimated 16 million people engaging in this behavior worldwide. (1) In addition, Methamphetamine abuse is widely reported with 1.2 million Americans declaring its use in 2012. (2)Case description. The patient presented to the Emergency Department for “right groin pain” at a site she had been injecting methamphetamine. She had a palpable, non-pulsatile mass of her right groin, diffuse erythema and tenderness of her right leg, and several ecchymotic areas on multiple toes. She was found to have an extensive deep vein thrombosis of the right lower extremity, right femoral pseudoaneurysm, septic emboli, and deep space infection of her right groin. The pseudoaneurysm was removed surgically, an extra-anatomical arterial bypass was placed, an inferior vena caval filter was inserted, anticoagulants were initiated, the groin abscess was debrided and washed out, and the patient was started on antibiotics.Discussion. Emergency physicians practicing clinically should be aware of the potential adverse outcomes of intravenous drug abuse. This patient encounter details nearly all of the significant adverse outcomes patients could experience: cellulitis, deep space infection/abscess, deep venous thrombosis, arterial pseudoaneurysm, and septic emboli.

The Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Algerian Patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a common disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. VTE is becoming increasingly common in Algeria but published data on its frequency and risk factors are lacking. The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency, risk factors of this disease in Sidibel abbes region, Northwest Algeria. A retrospective study of patients hospitalized for DVT and/or PE was carried out between January 1, 2006 and June 10, 2012 at the cardiology department of Sidibel abbes University Hospital Center. 183 VTE patients (71 men [38.7%, age 51.5 ± 17.7years] and 112 women [61.2%, age 46.4 ± 17.9 years]) were included. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurred in 146 (79.7%), pulmonary embolism (PE) in 37 (20.2%) including 16 with concurrent DVT. The most common risk factors among DVT patients were: immobility, hypertension, surgery and oral contraception whereas, immobility, surgery, hypertension and fractures were the most frequent risk factors among PE patients. 12.02% of patients had a previous VTE. 24.7% of patients had several risk factors. Lower extremity DVT accounted for 97.5% of cases and upper extremity DVT for only 2.5%. In conclusion, although its frequency is not a cause for alarm, it will be important to adopt a suitable prophylactic strategy to combat the growing prevalence of VTE in the region of SidiBel Abbes.

Déficit de proteína C en un paciente con coagulación intravascular diseminada asociada a sepsis y trombosis venosa profunda

Disseminate intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a clinical pathological syndrome associated to several diseases. Sepsis is the most common cause in infants and children. DIC results from the anomalous activation of blood coagulation, widespread formation of thrombi in the microcirculation, and consumption of clotting factors and platelets. Clinical findings are variable; the most common is bleeding, followed by purpura and acral gangrene (purpura fulminans). We report a patient with sepsis associated-DIC and concurrent deep venous thrombosis. The diagnostic evaluation allowed to discover inherited thrombophilia associated to protein C deficiency.

Maladie thromboembolique veineuse dans la région de Sidi Bel Abbes, Algérie: fréquence et facteurs de risque

IntroductionLa maladie thromboembolique veineuse (MTEV) présente par ses deux entités cliniques: thrombose veineuse profonde (TVP) et embolie pulmonaire (EP), est une pathologie fréquente ayant une forte morbi-mortalité. En Algérie, cette pathologie prend de plus en plus de l'ampleur, en l'absence de toute publication révélant sa fréquence et le pouvoir thrombogène des facteurs de risque qui lui sont corrélés. Notre étude a pour objectif de déterminer la fréquence et les facteurs de risque de ce type d'affection dans la région de Sidi Bel Abbes, Algérie.MéthodesIl s'agit d'une étude rétrospective allant du 1er janvier 2006 au 10 juin 2012 ciblant les patients hospitalisés pour TVP et /ou EP au sein du service de cardiologie du CHU de Sidi Bel Abbes.Résultats183 patients atteints de la MTEV dont 112 femmes (61.2%) d’âge moyen 46.4 ± 17.9 et 71 hommes (38.7%) d’âge moyen 51.5 ± 17.7 ont été notés. 146 cas parmi eux (79.7%) présentaient une TVP isolée, alors que 37 autres (20.2%) étaient atteints d'EP, dont 16 cas de TVP associée. Les facteurs de risque les plus fréquents enregistrés en cas de TVP sont surtout: l'immobilité, l'hypertension, la chirurgie, et la contraception orale, tandis que: l'immobilité, la chirurgie, l'hypertension et les fractures sont les facteurs de risques les plus incriminés en cas d'EP. 24.7% des patients présentaient plusieurs facteurs de risque. L'antécédent personnel de la MTEV, était présent dans 12.02% des cas. 97.5% des TVP ont touché les membres inférieurs mais seulement 2.5% des TVP étaient localisés au niveau des membres supérieurs.ConclusionAu terme de notre étude, et en dépit de sa fréquence non alarmante, il serait indispensable d'envisager l'adoption d'une stratégie prophylactique adéquate afin de lutter contre le développement redoutable de ce genre d'affection dans la région de Sidi Bel Abbes.

When should DVT be suspected in children with osteomyelitis?

There is increasing recognition that deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a complicating factor in some children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. The similarity in signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis and DVT make clinical recognition of this complicating condition difficult. It would be helpful to the clinician to identify by other means which children with osteomyelitis are at greatest risk for DVT. We reviewed the available literature regarding osteomyelitis and DVT in children to identify potential characteristics of children with osteomyelitis that puts them at risk for concurrent DVT. We performed searches of the PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and National Guideline Clearinghouse databases on the topic of osteomyelitis and thrombosis in children 0 to 18 years of age from 2001 to the present. Four studies were included: 3 retrospective and 1 prospective. Studies varied in terms of clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters evaluated. Overall they suggest trends toward increased incidence of DVT in children who were critically ill at presentation, had positive blood cultures, were infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, had an elevated C-reactive protein, and had central venous catheters placed. Strong consideration should be given to evaluating children with osteomyelitis for DVT if they are critically ill at presentation, particularly if they have pulmonary findings, are persistently bacteremic, especially with methicillin-resistant S aureus.

Prognostic Significance of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients Presenting with Acute Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism

Conclusion: In patients with an acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), a concurrent diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an independent predictor of increased risk of death within 3 months after the PE diagnosis. Summary: The 3-month mortality rates after an objectively confirmed diagnosis of acute PE vary from 1.4% to 17.4%. Variability in mortality likely illustrates differences in the clinical spectrum of patients with PE. Early deaths in patients with PE are secondary to PE-associated complications. Underlying medical problems cause most late deaths (Conget F, et al; Thromb Haemost 2008;100:937-42). Up to 61% of patients with acute PE have concomitant DVT (Bradley MJ, et al; Clin Radiol 1995;50:232-4). The significance of finding DVT and PE at the time of presentation of PE is debated. Some studies note that diagnosis of proximal DVT is an independent predictor of adverse outcome. Other studies have not confirmed these findings (Wicki J, et al; Thromb Haemost 2000;84:548-52 and Girard P et al; Chest 2005;128:1593-600). This study aimed to assess the association between a concurrent diagnosis of DVT and PE on risk of death in patients with a first objectively confirmed diagnosis of acute symptomatic PE. The primary end point of this prospective cohort study of outpatients was all cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was PE-specific death in the first 3 months after the PE diagnosis. PE was diagnosed in 707 patients, and DVT was also diagnosed in 362 (51.2%); 77 patients (10.9%) died during follow-up. Patients with concurrent DVT had increased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.24-3.38, P = .005) and increased PE-specific mortality (adjusted HR 4.25; 95% CI, 1.61-11.25, P = .04). An external validation cohort of 4476 patients with acute PE enrolled in the RIETE registry also determined a concurrent DVT diagnosed at the time of PE was a significant predictor of all-cause (adjusted HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.28-2.15; P < .001) and PE-specific mortality (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.18-3.44, P = .01). Comment: These data provide evidence that a first episode of acute symptomatic PE with a concurrent diagnosis of DVT imparts increased risk of all-cause and PE-specific death in the first 3 months after a diagnosis of PE. Although some may argue that a patient with a diagnosed PE does not need investigation for lower extremity DVT because the PE is going to be treated with anticoagulation anyway, the data imply patients with PE should undergo investigation for DVT for prognostic purposes and risk stratification. Such studies may identify patients at high risk of early death who may benefit from more intensive surveillance or aggressive therapy.

How Much Do We Need to Worry About Venous Thromboembolism After Hospital Discharge? A Study of Colorectal Surgery Patients Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

It is well recognized that the increased risk of a postoperative venous thrombotic event extends beyond the inpatient treatment period. The purpose of this study was to determine the 30-day incidence and risk factors associated with the occurrence of early postdischarge symptomatic venous thromboembolic events in patients who have undergone major colorectal surgery. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients who had undergone a colon or rectal resection during the study period (2005-2008). Patient demographics, preoperative risk factors, and operative variables were recorded. The primary outcomes were occurrence of deep venous thrombosis requiring therapy or pulmonary embolism within 30 days after initial surgery. The occurrence of postdischarge venous thromboembolic events was calculated from the days to primary outcome and days from operation to discharge. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models incorporating pre- and intraoperative variables as well as the occurrence of a major or minor complication were used to evaluate the effect of these clinical factors on the early postdischarge venous thromboembolic event rate. A total of 52,555 patients were included in the initial analysis. A total of 240 deep venous thromboses were diagnosed in the postdischarge setting giving a postdischarge incidence of 0.47%. One hundred thirty cases of a pulmonary embolus were diagnosed (0.26% incidence) with 30 patients having a concurrent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. The overall cumulative postdischarge symptomatic venous thromboembolic incidence was 0.67% (n = 340). Obesity, preoperative steroid use, "bleeding disorder," ASA class III, and postoperative (major and minor) complications were all independently associated with an increased risk of an early postdischarge venous thromboembolic event. This study has identified risk factors that may help stratify patients into different risk profiles and offer prolonged prophylaxis to patients at increased risk on the basis of preoperative risk factors and postoperative complications.

Antenna Reflector Surface Fitting Algorithm Based on Rigid Body Displacement Principle

Pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal event, occurs more frequently in cancer patients than in the general population. To offer an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to such patients in China, we analyzed the incidence rate and clinical features of pulmonary embolism in patients with solid tumor hospitalized in the Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital. A retrospective analysis was made of the hospitalized patients with solid malignancies complicated with pulmonary embolism who had been admitted into the PUMC Hospital from January 2002 to December 2008. The incidence of pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients with solid malignancies was 0.27% (120/43 967). The median age at diagnosis was 57.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1.0:1.4 (49:71). Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constituted the largest proportion of the 120 patients (37.5%), followed by patients with breast (9.2%), ovarian (8.3%), pancreatic (6.7%), and liver cancer (6.7%). Eighty patients (66.7%) had stage IV cancer. Bone was the most common site of distant metastasis (46.3%). D-dimer level was elevated in 90.9% of the 66 tested patients. The incidence of bleeding due to anti-coagulation therapy was 3.6%. Thirty-six (30.0%) of the 120 patients had concurrent deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities. Seventeen patients developed acute pulmonary embolism within 2 weeks after surgery, 3 of whom died suddenly. Four patients presented with deep venous thrombosis and 1 with pulmonary embolism prior to the identification of malignancy. Patients with cancer of the lung, ovarian, breast, pancreas, and liver are more likely to be complicated with pulmonary embolism than those with other types of solid tumors. Patients with distant metastasis are at a higher risk of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism without concurrent deep venous thrombosis is more frequently observed than concurrence of both disorders in the clinical setting.

Role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

During the 1990s, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging underwent extensive technological advancement and expanded clinical use in patients with venous thromboembolic disease, particularly with regard to evaluation of the pulmonary vasculature. In many institutions, helical (spiral) CT pulmonary angiography has become the initial imaging study of choice to evaluate patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, supplanting ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy. In addition, CT venography of the pelvis and lower extremities is often incorporated into the CT angiography protocol to identify or exclude concurrent deep venous thrombosis. MR pulmonary angiography and MR venography are second-line diagnostic tools because of their higher cost, limited availability, and other logistical constraints. As the technology improves and becomes more widely available, MR imaging may play a greater role in the evaluation of patients with venous thromboembolic disease.

Treatment of Popliteal Arterial Aneurysm Using a Superficial Femoral Artery Autograft

The usefulness of aggressive surgical management of popliteal arterial aneurysm is now widely accepted. Reconstruction is usually performed using either prosthesis or saphenous vein autograft. Autografts are preferable but not always possible because of problems of availability and congruence. An alternative conduit for cases involving lesions spanning the articular midline of the knee is the superficial femoral artery. From 1993 to 1998, we used superficial femoral artery autografts to treat a total of 18 aneurysms in 12 patients. All patients were male with a mean age of 66 years (range, 42 to 75). Fourteen aneurysms were treated during elective procedures, including four in combination with aortic repair. The remaining four were treated on an emergency basis. Exposure was achieved via the internal medial route in all cases. Treatment consisted of exclusion or aneurysmorraphy. The mean length of the autograft harvested from the ipsilateral thigh was 10.2 cm (range, 6-18). The harvested graft was replaced by a PTFE prosthesis. Our results show that superficial femoral artery autografts are a suitable alternative for two indications: for patients with small aneurysms located in the middle of the popliteal artery, since autografts provide excellent congruence, and for patients with no other useable donor vein or concurrent deep venous thrombosis.

Simultaneous occurrence of superficial and deep thrombophlebitis in the lower extremity

Forty-two consecutive patients diagnosed with superficial phlebitis were seen during a 5-year period. Thirty-five of the 42 patients were outpatients. The diagnosis of superficial phlebitis was made by the presence of palpable subcutaneous cords in the course of the greater saphenous vein or its tributaries in association with tenderness, erythema, and edema. The presence of concurrent deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was assessed by impedance plethysmography in 37 patients, compression venous ultrasonography in 3 patients, and venography in 8 patients. Five of the 42 patients (12%) had DVT. Four of these five patients had a positive impedance plethysmographic or ultrasonographic test result followed by a confirmatory venogram. The fifth patient had a positive ultrasonographic test result, but no venogram was performed. Two of the five patients had clots that involved the popliteal or femoral veins. Four of 23 patients (17%) with superficial phlebitis at or above the knee had DVT. Only 1 of the 19 patients (5%) with superficial phlebitis below the knee had DVT. Three of the five patients with both superficial phlebitis and DVT had undergone surgery recently. All but 3 of the 42 patients (93%) had varicose veins. No patients had clinically apparent pulmonary emboli. DVT occurred in 17% of the patients with above-knee extension of the superficial phlebitis. In the clinical management of superficial lower-limb thrombophlebitis, noninvasive tests should be performed to guide therapy. When superficial phlebitis develops after recent surgery or the superficial phlebitis extends above the knee, diagnostic surveillance should be especially strict. When the noninvasive test results are equivocal, phlebography is indicated to rule out DVT.

Sonography in Differential Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Leg

The lower extremities of 60 consecutive symptomatic patients were examined first by ultrasound (US) and then by phlebography. Deep venous thrombosis was found in 17 patients by means of venography. A hematoma was detected by US in six legs without thrombosis. A popliteal cyst was observed by US in five cases; one patient had a concurrent deep venous thrombosis. It was concluded that symptomatic patients with a negative phlebography should be examined by US for correct diagnosis and treatment, although US cannot replace phlebography.

Sonography in Differential Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis of the Leg

The lower extremities of 60 consecutive symptomatic patients were examined first by ultrasound (US) and then by phlebography. Deep venous thrombosis was found in 17 patients by means of venography. A hematoma was detected by US in six legs without thrombosis. A popliteal cyst was observed by US in five cases; one patient had a concurrent deep venous thrombosis. It was concluded that symptomatic patients with a negative phlebography should be examined by US for correct diagnosis and treatment, although US cannot replace phlebography.