Initiation Of Anticoagulant Therapy Research Articles

Efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization for Treatment of Anticoagulant-Associated Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Data regarding uterine artery embolization (UAE) to specifically treat anticoagulant-associated iatrogenic abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB-I) are sparse. This manuscript aimed to quantify the effectiveness of UAE in treating this subset of patients. Retrospective case series. Academic hospital serving a large minority-majority population. Twenty-four patients with AUB-I that was provoked or aggravated by the initiation of anticoagulation therapy. Treatment of anticoagulant-associated AUB-I that failed medical management or was acute with UAE rather than inferior vena cava filter placement and hysterectomy. An imaging database search was performed to identify patients who underwent UAE for anticoagulant-associated AUB-I from May 2011 to July 2020. Medical and radiologic records were reviewed. Short- and long-term outcomes were obtained to date, ranging from 10 months to 10 years after the procedure. In total, 24 patients were identified, ranging in age from 35 to 54 (mean 44.9) years. Venous thromboembolic disease was the most common (92%) indication for anticoagulation. At presentation, 14 patients (58%) were anticipated to require lifelong anticoagulation. Most UAE procedures (54%) occurred within 10 days of anticoagulation initiation. Before UAE, 17 patients (71%) attempted and failed medical management, myomectomy, or endometrial ablation to control bleeding. After UAE, 21 patients (88%) experienced substantial improvement or resolution of AUB and continued anticoagulation therapy. Three patients (14%) did not experience improvement and were treated with hysterectomy. Amenorrhea immediately after UAE occurred in 1 patient at age 45. UAE was an effective tool in the management of anticoagulant associated AUB-I in this cohort, resulting in decreased bleeding while allowing the continuation of anticoagulation therapy, with high rates of uterine preservation and preserved menses.

Evaluation of coagulation status using clot waveform analysis in general ward patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related systemic cytokine response induces the production of procoagulant factors, which predisposes patients to a prothrombotic state. Viscoelastic testing can identify the degree of hypercoagulability, which is related to outcomes. We aimed to study the changes in clot waveform analysis (CWA) parameters in COVID-19 patients on hospital admission compared to those in a group of healthy individuals. We conducted a retrospective study of COVID-19 patients admitted to general wards and evaluated demographic and clinical parameters as well as laboratory parameters, including coagulation parameters. CWA data from patients (n = 62) with COVID-19 prior to the initiation of anticoagulation therapy were compared with those from healthy controls (n = 67). The measured CWA parameters were min1, min2, max2, and delta change. CWA, fibrinogen, and D-dimer values were higher in COVID-19 patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). CWA profiles were consistent with hypercoagulability and characterized by an increase in density, velocity, and acceleration of clot formation. Activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were higher in patients in whom all CWA parameters were raised than in patients with just a few elevated CWA parameters, while Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, prothrombin time, fibrin degradation product levels and platelet counts did not differ between the two groups. CWA variables showed hypercoagulopathy on admission in COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in the general ward, and this pattern was more pronounced in critically ill patients with elevated fibrinogen, D-dimer, and CRP levels. Our results may help identify patients at high risk of thromboembolism.

Incidental Gonadal Vein Thrombosis Diagnosed Using Computed Tomography Imaging: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

ObjectivesGonadal vein thrombosis is an uncommon but serious condition that can be fatal if it goes unnoticed. Up to 80% of cases occur in patients after delivery, hysterectomy, or lymphadenectomy for gynecological neoplasms. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of gonadal vein thrombosis using computed tomography (CT) imaging at our center and to describe associated risk factors.MethodsA retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected for all patients diagnosed with incidental gonadal-vein-thrombosis using contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis between January 2005 and December 2017. We included all patients with incidental findings of gonadal vein thrombosis and excluded those with incomplete data.ResultsIn total, 58/68,268 (0.08%) patients were included. Fifty-seven patients were females, and only one was male. The mean age (years) of the patients was 50.0±15.0 (range 4-87). Thirty-four patients (59%) had right gonadal vein thrombosis, 20 (34%) had thrombosis on the left side, and four (7%) had bilateral thrombosis. Nineteen patients (33%) had undergone pelvic surgery previously. Forty-four patients (76%) had a malignancy at the time of diagnosis. Forty-two patients (72%) were treated with anticoagulants after the diagnosis.ConclusionGonadal vein thrombosis is a rare clinical entity with vague clinical presentation. The incidence in the oncology population is similar to the reported incidence in the obstetric population. Initiation of anticoagulation therapy is important to treat this condition and limit complications.

CHA2DS2-VASc score in acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes Background Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are common and several scores were proposed to identify high-risk patients that presented worse prognosis in short and long-term follow up. CHA2DS2-VASc score is the score used to decide the initiation of anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. It is an easy and convenient score, used by physicians in clinical practice, which is helpful to apply in ACS predicting the high-risk patients. Objective CHA2DS2-VASc score as a prognosis method in ACS. Methods Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. CHA2DS2-VASc test as a predictor of AF with a receiver operating characteristic curve. Logistic regression to access if the score was a predictor of AF. According with a punctuation of CHA2DS2-VASc as 0, 1 and ≥2, was performed a Kaplan-Meier test to establish the survival rates and cardiovascular admission at one year of follow-up. Results 25271 patients had ACS, 1023 patients (4.2%) presented de novo AF. CHA2DS2-VASc score was a median predictor of de novo AF (Area Under Curve: 0.642, confidence interval (CI) 0.625-0.659), with a 66.7% sensibility and 55.1% specificity. Logistic regression revealed that the CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor of de novo AF in ACS (odds ratio (OR) 2.07, p &amp;lt; 0.001, CI 1.74-2.47). Mortality rates at one year of follow-up, even showing higher mortality rates associated with higher CHA2DS2-VASc punctuation, do not revealed to be significant, p = 0.099. On the other hand, the score exhibited a significant value, p = 0.050, for re-admission for all causes, according to the classification as 0, 1 or ≥2. Regarding re-admission for cardiovascular causes at one year of follow-up was associated with the score classification, with a Kaplan-Meier test of p = 0.011. Conclusions CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor of de novo AF in ACS and can be used as a prognostic method for all causes of re-admission and, in special, for cardiovascular cause of re-admission.

Socioeconomic inequality in oral anticoagulation therapy initiation in patients with atrial fibrillation with high risk of stroke: a register-based observational study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to examine the association between socioeconomic factors (SEFs) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy and whether it was influenced by changing guidelines. We hypothesised that inequities in initiation...

P83 Online Multidisciplinary Review of Point of Care Ultrasound Images During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable diagnostic tool in intensive care. Evaluation of POCUS images acquired in our intensive care unit (ICU) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic had typically been performed solely at the point of care. Where further evaluation was required, cross-sectional thoracic imaging or departmental echocardiography would be requested. Clinicians also had access to ICU ultrasound machines for review of images, or to repeat studies for clarification of findings. However, the nature of the pandemic limited access to ICU to minimise contact with COVID-19.ObjectivesWe aimed to develop an online solution for review of POCUS images by the multidisciplinary team (MDT).MethodsMicrosoft Teams was utilised to create a dedicated channel for the MDT to review POCUS images. Images were exported from ultrasound machines used inside our ICU to portable USB drives in standard formats (DICOM or WMV). The portable USB drives were decontaminated prior to transfer outside of the ICU. Anonymised images were uploaded with relevant clinical details to the Teams platform for MDT review.ResultsThe online platform provided rapid access to images for review by the MDT. POCUS images from ICU patients with and without COVID-19 were reviewed. MDT review frequently led to a change in patient management. Significant examples included identification of a missed inferior vena cava thrombus leading to initiation of anticoagulation therapy, and rapid expert input for a case of cardiac tamponade.ConclusionThe use of an online platform allowed our intensive care unit to establish a reliable method for images acquired from point-of-care-ultrasound to be remotely reviewed by an expert multidisciplinary team, consequently improving patient care.

Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Older Population

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of preventable strokes. Screening asymptomatic individuals for AF may increase anticoagulant use for stroke prevention. To evaluate 2 home-based AF screening interventions. This multicenter randomized clinical trial recruited individuals from primary care practices aged 75 years or older with hypertension and without known AF. From April 5, 2015, to March 26, 2019, 856 participants were enrolled from 48 practices. The control group received standard care (routine clinical follow-up plus a pulse check and heart auscultation at baseline and 6 months). The screening group received a 2-week continuous electrocardiographic (cECG) patch monitor to wear at baseline and at 3 months, in addition to standard care. The screening group also received automated home blood pressure (BP) machines with oscillometric AF screening capability to use twice-daily during the cECG monitoring periods. With intention-to-screen analysis, the primary outcome was AF detected by cECG monitoring or clinically within 6 months. Secondary outcomes included anticoagulant use, device adherence, and AF detection by BP monitors. Of the 856 participants, 487 were women (56.9%); mean (SD) age was 80.0 (4.0) years. Median cECG wear time was 27.4 of 28 days (interquartile range [IQR], 18.4-28.0 days). In the primary analysis, AF was detected in 23 of 434 participants (5.3%) in the screening group vs 2 of 422 (0.5%) in the control group (relative risk, 11.2; 95% CI, 2.7-47.1; P = .001; absolute difference, 4.8%; 95% CI, 2.6%-7.0%; P < .001; number needed to screen, 21). Of those with cECG-detected AF, median total time spent in AF was 6.3 hours (IQR, 4.2-14.0 hours; range 1.3 hours-28 days), and median duration of the longest AF episode was 5.7 hours (IQR, 2.9-12.9 hours). Anticoagulation was initiated in 15 of 20 patients (75.0%) with cECG-detected AF. By 6 months, anticoagulant therapy had been prescribed for 18 of 434 participants (4.1%) in the screening group vs 4 of 422 (0.9%) in the control group (relative risk, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-12.8; P = .007; absolute difference, 3.2%; 95% CI, 1.1%-5.3%; P = .003). Twice-daily AF screening using the home BP monitor had a sensitivity of 35.0% (95% CI, 15.4%-59.2%), specificity of 81.0% (95% CI, 76.7%-84.8%), positive predictive value of 8.9% (95% CI, 4.9%-15.5%), and negative predictive value of 95.9% (95% CI, 94.5%-97.0%). Adverse skin reactions requiring premature discontinuation of cECG monitoring occurred in 5 of 434 participants (1.2%). In this randomized clinical trial, among older community-dwelling individuals with hypertension, AF screening with a wearable cECG monitor was well tolerated, increased AF detection 10-fold, and prompted initiation of anticoagulant therapy in most cases. Compared with continuous ECG, intermittent oscillometric screening with a BP monitor was an inferior strategy for detecting paroxysmal AF. Large trials with hard clinical outcomes are now needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of AF screening. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02392754.

PHARMACODYNAMICS OF ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN THE ACUTE PERIOD OF ISCHEMIC STROKE

Background. Every fifth ischemic stroke is caused by a patient’s history of atrial fibrillation. Nowadays, direct and indirect oral anticoagulants are widely used to prevent thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, despite the prescription of this group of drugs, every year 1–2% of patients with atrial fibrillation have an ischemic stroke. In this situation, a number of questions take rise: if it is possible to carry out thrombolytic therapy in the patients who have been taking anticoagulants; if it is worth resuming anticoagulant therapy after a stroke; when exactly this should be done; and what drugs should be used to prevent another stroke.The aim of this review was to summarize the available clinical guidelines and research results on the study of the anticoagu- lant therapy characteristics in patients with atrial fibrillation after an ischemic stroke.Materials and methods. For this review, the information presented in the scientific literature from open and available sourc- es, has been used. The information had been placed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sci- ence Core Collection, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov; Elibrary, Cyberleninka, Google Academy. The covering period was 1997–2020. The search queries were: “ischemic stroke + atrial fibrillation + anticoagulants”; “ischemic stroke + atrial fibrillation + direct oral coagulants” and “atrial fibrillation + ischemic stroke + warfarin” in both Russian and English equivalents.Results and conclusion. Currently, the problem of the use of anticoagulants for the prevention of recurrent thromboembolic complications in patients with AF in the acute period of a stroke, is studied insufficiently. The difficulties are caused by the delivery of TLT in the patients who have been taking DOACs, first of all, due to the impossibility of an accurate assessment of the hemostasis state because of the unavailability of routine specific tests; and second, as a result of the lack of registered antidotes for most drugs, and their high costs. Besides, there are no RCTs dedicated to the study of the optimal time for the resumption or initiation of anticoagulant therapy in the acute period of an IS, and the optimal drugs for this group of patients. Most of the existing recommendations on these aspects, are based on the consensus of experts, and this fact indicates the need for further research in the area under review.

The Predictive Value of PRECISE-DAPT Score for the Thrombogenic Milieu in Left Atrium and Left Atrial Appendix in the Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Planned AF Ablation

Abstract Introduction and aim Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the clinical practice. In AF patients, the assessment of thromboembolic risk and the initiation of anticoagulant therapy to appropriate patients play critical role in management of these patients. Current guidelines recommend to use CHA2DS2VASC score in evaluation of thromboembolic risk. However, the effectiveness of this score has been questioned recently. This situation requires new risk indicators. Although PRECISE-DAPT score was initially constituted to determine the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with PCI, current studies have reported that this score may also predict thrombotic events. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PRECISE-DAPT score to predict thrombogenic milieu by comparing with CHA2DS2VASC score in non valvular AF patients whom referred TEE before AF ablation procedure. Method 428 patients were included in the study. The presence of grade 2–3 SEC and thrombus in left atrium and/or left atrial appendage were accepted as thrombogenic milieu. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of thrombogenic milieu. In addition, we constituted three groups as grade 0–1 SEC group, grade 2–3 SEC group and thrombus group to evaluate the parameters in detail. Results Grade 2–3 SEC was found in 36 patients and thrombus was detected in 24 patients. 60 patients was included to the thrombogenic positive (artı) group while 368 patients was included to thrombogenic milieu (−) group. PRECISE-DAPT and CHA2DS2VASC scores were higher in thrombogenic positive (artı) group In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PRECISE-DAPT score was found to be an independent predictor of thrombogenic milieu (OR: 1.145, CI:1.083–1.211, p&amp;lt;0,001). The comparison of ROC curves was shown that PRECISE DAPT score was higher area under curve than CHA2DS2VASC score, 0,753 and 0,649 respectively. Conclusion In our study, in patients performed TEE before AF ablation, PRECISE-DAPT score was found to be an independent predictor for thrombogenic milieu presented as high grade SEC and thrombus, there by thromboembolic risk. PRECISE-DAPT score seems to be more effective than CHA2DS2VASC score. In AF patients, PRECISE-DAPT score may provide additional benefit in assessment of thromboembolic risk, thus enabling a more individual and accurate anticoagulation decision in these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Anticoagulation therapy in patients with traumatic brain injury: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter prospective study

BackgroundTrauma care providers often face a dilemma regarding anticoagulation therapy initiation in patients with traumatic brain injury owing to the associated risks of traumatic brain injury progression. The aims of this study were the following: (1) to describe the current practice of anticoagulation therapy in traumatic brain injury patients and their outcomes and (2) to identify factors associated with the progression of traumatic brain injury after anticoagulation therapy. MethodsIn this multicenter prospective observational study, we included computed tomography–proven traumatic brain injury patients who received anticoagulation therapy within 30 days of hospital admission. Our primary outcome was the incidence of clinically significant progression of traumatic brain injury after anticoagulation therapy initiation. ResultsA total of 168 patients were enrolled more than 22 months. Atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism were the most common pre-injury and postinjury anticoagulation therapy indications, respectively. Overall, 16 patients (9.6%) experienced clinically significant traumatic brain injury progression after anticoagulation therapy, out of which 9 (5.4%) patients subsequently required neurosurgical interventions. Between patients with clinical progression of traumatic brain injury and patients who showed no such progression, there were no significant differences in the baseline demographics and severity of traumatic brain injury. However, anticoagulation therapy was initiated significantly earlier in patients of the deterioration group than those of the no-deterioration group (4.5 days vs 11 days, P = .015). In a multiple logistic regression model, patients who received anticoagulation therapy later after injury had significantly lower risk of clinically significant traumatic brain injury progression (odds ratio: 0.915 for each day, 95% confidence interval: 0.841–0.995, P = .037). ConclusionOur results suggest that early anticoagulation therapy is associated with higher risk of traumatic brain injury progression, thus a balance between bleeding and thromboembolic risks should be carefully evaluated in each case before initiating anticoagulation therapy.

Early initiation of direct anticoagulation after stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

The safety of early initiation of anticoagulant therapy in patients with ischaemic stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. We investigated the safety of early initiation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or no anticoagulation. This observational, retrospective, single-centre study included consecutive patients with recent (<4weeks) ischaemic stroke and AF. The primary outcome was the rate of major (intracranial and extracranial) bleeding in patients on different treatment schemes, i.e. DOACs, VKAs and not anticoagulated. We also investigated the rate of ischaemic cerebrovascular events and mortality. We included 959 consecutive patients with AF and ischaemic stroke followed up for an average of 16.1days after the index event. A total of 559 out of 959 patients (58.3%) were anticoagulated with either VKAs (n=259) or DOACs (n=300). Anticoagulation was started after a mean of 7±9.4days in the DOAC group and 11.9±19.7days in the VKA group. Early initiation of any anticoagulant was not associated with an increased risk of any major bleeding [odds ratio (OR), 0.49; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.21-1.16] and in particular of intracranial bleeding (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.17-1.29; P=0.143) compared with no anticoagulation. In contrast to VKAs (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.28-2.13), treatment with DOACs (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.10-0.96) reduced the rate of major bleeding compared with no anticoagulation. Early recurrences of ischaemic stroke did not differ significantly among the three groups. Starting DOACs within a mean of 7days after stroke appeared to be safe. Randomized controlled studies are needed to establish the added efficacy of starting anticoagulation early after stroke.

Role of Ultrasound-Guided Evaluation of Dyspnea in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Role of Ultrasound-Guided Evaluation of Dyspnea in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Limitations of transoesophageal echocardiogram in acute ischaemic stroke

ObjectiveThe role of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in identifying ischaemic stroke aetiology is debated. In 2018, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) issued class IIa recommendation for echocardiography, with the...

Incidence of thrombotic events and complications associated to inferior vena cava filters in patients with and without anticoagulation therapy.

Anticoagulation is the primary management to prevent venous thromboembolism; inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) provide a mechanical prophylactic alternative when anticoagulation is contraindicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate in IVCF patients, whether the initiation of anticoagulation therapy is associated with decreased rates of recurrent thrombotic events and device-related complications. This was a retrospective review of patients that underwent insertion of IVCF. Subjects with IVCF were studied in two groups: those initiated on anticoagulation (A) and without anticoagulation (NA). Variables as indications for IVCF, anticoagulation, recurrence of thrombosis, complications, and reinterventions were examined. From April 2007 to March 2014, 54 patients underwent IVCF placement; (61% of females), with mean age of 54 years (standard deviation ± 19). 28 (52%) were initiated on anticoagulation, during a mean follow-up period of 28 months, five experienced recurrent thrombosis and three were on the A group (p=0.5); when comparing patients that developed post-thrombotic syndrome, seven were in the A group and seven in the NA. Two patients with IVC rupture were in the A group (p=0.5), and the only case of IVCF migration occurred in the A group. 11 (20%) patients died from comorbidities nonrelated to the device or procedure (four in the A cohort). Patients with IVCF on anticoagulation have equivalent rates of thrombotic events and device-related complications than those patients NA.

Incidence of thrombotic events and complications associated to inferior vena cava filters in patients with and without anticoagulation therapy.

Anticoagulation is the primary management to prevent venous thromboembolism; inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) provide a mechanical prophylactic alternative when anticoagulation is contraindicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate in IVCF patients, whether the initiation of anticoagulation therapy is associated with decreased rates of recurrent thrombotic events and device-related complications. This was a retrospective review of patients that underwent insertion of IVCF. Subjects with IVCF were studied in two groups: those initiated on anticoagulation (A) and without anticoagulation (NA). Variables as indications for IVCF, anticoagulation, recurrence of thrombosis, complications, and reinterventions were examined. From April 2007 to March 2014, 54 patients underwent IVCF placement; (61% of females), with mean age of 54 years (standard deviation ± 19). 28 (52%) were initiated on anticoagulation, during a mean follow-up period of 28 months, five experienced recurrent thrombosis and three were on the A group (p=0.5); when comparing patients that developed post-thrombotic syndrome, seven were in the A group and seven in the NA. Two patients with IVC rupture were in the A group (p=0.5), and the only case of IVCF migration occurred in the A group. 11 (20%) patients died from comorbidities nonrelated to the device or procedure (four in the A cohort). Patients with IVCF on anticoagulation have equivalent rates of thrombotic events and device-related complications than those patients NA.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with venous thromboembolism recurrence in patients with cancer

Objective: Patients with cancer are at high risk for developing primary but also recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study examined healthcare utilization (HRU) and costs related to VTE recurrence among cancer patients.Methods: Medical and pharmacy claims from the Humana Database were used to compare HRU (outpatient visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and hospitalization days) and healthcare costs among cancer patients with a single VTE event (between 01/2013 and 06/2015) and those with recurrent VTE during the follow-up period (from initiation of anticoagulant therapy until end of eligibility or data availability). All-cause and VTE-related HRU and costs were evaluated using Poisson regression, and healthcare costs were compared using mean differences reported as per-patient-per-year (PPPY).Results: Of 2,428 newly diagnosed cancer patients who developed VTE, 413 (17.1%) experienced recurrent VTE during the follow-up period (mean = 9 months). Patients with recurrent VTE had higher all-cause and VTE-related HRU and costs compared to those without recurrence. Patients with recurrent VTE also had over 3.19-times more VTE-related hospitalizations (RR [95% CI] = 3.19 [2.93–3.47]), and 3.88-times more VTE-related hospitalization days (RR [95% CI] = 3.88 [3.74–4.02]) than patients without a VTE recurrence. Total VTE-related healthcare costs were $39,641 PPPY among patients with recurrent VTE, $29,142 higher compared to those without recurrence ($10,499 PPPY). This difference was mainly driven by hospitalization costs.Conclusion: Recurrent VTE among cancer patients is associated with significant HRU and healthcare costs, notably hospitalizations. Strategies to reduce VTE recurrence in patients with cancer can contribute to reducing healthcare cost.

P1307 An echocardiographic observation over the disappearing process of the prosthetic valve thrombus caused by the inflammatory hypercoagulability; a case report

Abstract Background Whenever fever and inflammatory reaction continue for a while in the patients with a prosthetic valve, than usual, we must keep infective endocarditis in mind. On the other hand, inflammation and thrombosis are well known to coexist often. There are several reports of thrombotic valves associated with inflammation-activated hypercoagulability. Furthermore, C-reactive protein (CRP) has been reported to imply an increased risk of thrombus especially in the presence of an injury on the prosthetic valve. Case report We report a case of a 70-year-old male with a leaflet thrombus on the bioprosthetic aortic valve. He suffered from fever, and symptoms of heart failure and was hospitalized for treatment. Blood tests presented that white blood cell count was 4900/μL (neutrophil 81.1%) and CRP 10.82 mg/dL. Infectious endocarditis (IE) was suspected. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was per-formed, however, vegetation and abscess were not found. Noteworthily, the bioprosthetic valve leaflet on the right coronary cusp showed thickening and opening dysfunction (Figure A, parasternal short axis). Mean pressure gradient (mPG) through the aortic valve was 15mmHg and peak velocity (Vmax) 2.7m/s. Blood culture was negative, and his body temperature and CRP were improved by empirical antibiotic administration. The anticoagulation therapy with warfarin was started, he was discharged from the hospital and followed up in the outpatient clinic. TTE after the initiation of anticoagulation therapy, did not reveal any more dysfunction on the bioprosthetic valve (mPG: 9mmHg, Vmax: 2.2m/s) (Figure B, parasternal short axis). The diagnostic and therapeutic process of this case implied success. The opening-dysfunction of prosthetic valve leaflets was reversible and therefore, we concluded that the thickening of the prosthetic valve could be attributed to thrombus adhesion. Computed Tomography (CT) was not performed because he suffered from chronic kidney disease. Conclusion Surely, CT is very useful for the evaluation of thrombotic valves in the patients in whom it is permissible to use contrast agent. However, we could successfully evaluate the recovery process of leaflet thrombosis by echocardiography because of a difficult reason of CT use in this case. The prolongation of inflammatory reaction in the patients with a prosthetic valve should keep IE in mind in everyday life. Even if the findings of bacterial infection are obscure, it is more and more important to observe carefully the change of leaflets, whenever an open-dysfunction and a thrombus adhesion of the prosthetic valves exist. Abstract P1307 Figure.

Screening for atrial fibrillation: a call for evidence.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and prevalence is predicted to double over the next 30 years due to changing demographics and the rise in prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a five-fold increased stroke risk, but anticoagulation in eligible patients can reduce this risk by around 65%. Many people with AF currently go undetected and therefore untreated, either because they are asymptomatic or because they have paroxysmal AF. Screening has been suggested as one approach to increase AF detection rates and reduce the incidence of ischaemic stroke by earlier initiation of anticoagulation therapy. However, international taskforces currently recommend against screening, citing the cost implications and uncertainty over the benefits of a systematic screening programme compared to usual care. A number of large randomized controlled trials have commenced to determine the cost-effectiveness and clinical benefit of screening using a range of devices and across different populations. The recent AppleWatch study demonstrates how advances in technology are providing the public with self-screening devices that are increasingly affordable and accessible. Health care professionals should be aware of the implications of these emerging data for diagnostic pathways and treatment. This review provides an overview of the gaps in the current evidence and a summary of the arguments for and against screening.

Role of Imaging for Suspected Cardiac Thrombus.

Cardiac thrombus formation is a frequent complication of a variety of prevalent diseases. Embolism of cardiac thrombus has the potential to result in significant morbidity and mortality from cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular events. Echocardiography is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosing intracardiac thrombus. However, technological advances in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have allowed newer noninvasive modalities to evolve into robust tools for the clinical evaluation of patients suspected of disease. Complimentary use of these imaging techniques is crucial in the diagnosis of cardiac thrombus and initiation of anticoagulation therapy.

Timing to start anticoagulants after acute ischemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveTo identify timing for initiation of anticoagulation therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with non-valvular AF as regards safety and efficacy by detecting the rate of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and recurrent ischemic symptoms (RIS) during follow-up. MethodsThis is a prospective observational cohort study conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University including 120 patients with AIS/TIAs from July 2016 till July 2018. We compared patients who received anticoagulants 1–6 days (Group I (45.83%), 7–14 days, Group II (35%), and > 14 days after the ischemic event (Group III (19.17%). Follow-up was at least 3 months and included identifying ICH or RIS. ResultICH has occurred in 26.67% (n = 32) patients with a highly statistically significant association with time of treatment (P-value = .01) being higher in group I (n = 17) compared to only 1 case in group III. Subgroup analyses on the ICH patients (n = 32) has revealed statistical significant association with higher NIHSS score (P = .001). Also, the type of anticoagulants used between three groups pointed to an association existence (p = .02), however, the direction of this association cannot be determined. There was no statistical significant association between RIS (occurred in 4.16% (n = 5) with time of treatment (P = .754). Functional outcome at 3–6 months measured by mRS did not differ between 3 groups (worst mRS in group I). ConclusionEarly initiation of anticoagulation after stroke, especially in cases of large infarction, is associated with significant risk of ICH. This risk is highest with warfarin and lowest with DOAC.