Major Embolic Events Research Articles

Impact of previous anticoagulation on neurological events in infective endocarditis: Testing an old dogma

Use of anticoagulation in infective endocarditis (IE) remains controversial. Although it may arrest the growth of valve vegetations, it may also increase mortality from neurologic complications associated with major embolic events, and as stroke is a frequent complication of infective endocarditis, especially infection involving left-sided valves. Management of anticoagulation in left-sided infective endocarditis is still a matter of debate, as it is unclear whether anticoagulation impacts stroke and bleeding risk in patients with this condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of anticoagulation on stroke occurrence and bleeding complications as well as prognosis and mortality in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis. A retrospective medical record review of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital for IE according to modified DUKE criteria, between July 2017, and July, 2022. Patients were stratified based on receipt of therapeutic anticoagulation for various indications (prosthetic valve, DVT, PE or AF) prior to admission versus patients not receiving therapy at the time of IE. The primary and secondary outcomes evaluated the incidence of embolic phenomenon and bleeding events in each group, respectively and mortality. SPSS was used for statistical data analysis. One hundred and eight consecutive patients with left-sided infective endocarditis were identified. Patients receiving anticoagulation (n = 20) were older (mean age 46 vs. 40; P = 0.02), were more likely to have a history of atrial fibrillation (30% vs. 11%; P .01), more often had prosthetic valves (50% vs. 2%; P = 0.01), and had a lower incidence of aortic valve involvement (9.5% vs. 38%; P = 0.01), compared with patients not receiving anticoagulation. The use of vitamin K antagonists was counted for 52% of anticoagulated patients. There was no significant difference in the rate of in-hospital mortality (9.5% vs. 16%; P = 0.6) stroke (5% vs. 10%; P = 0.3), cerebrovascular hemorrhage (4.8% vs. 3.4%; P = 0.7), between the two cohorts. Preexisting anticoagulation did not appear to have an effect on stroke, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, or in-hospital mortality in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis. Hence, our study support the pursuing of anticoagulation in patients with a preexisting indication in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis in the absence of other contraindications.

Endovascular Ultrasound Renal Denervation to Treat Hypertension

Two initial sham-controlled trials demonstrated that ultrasound renal denervation decreases blood pressure (BP) in patients with mild to moderate hypertension and hypertension that is resistant to treatment. To study the efficacy and safety of ultrasound renal denervation without the confounding influence of antihypertensive medications in patients with hypertension. Sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial with patients and outcome assessors blinded to treatment assignment that was conducted between January 14, 2019, and March 25, 2022, at 37 centers in the US and 24 centers in Europe, with randomization stratified by center. Patients aged 18 years to 75 years with hypertension (seated office systolic BP [SBP] ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic BP [DBP] ≥90 mm Hg despite taking up to 2 antihypertensive medications) were eligible if they had an ambulatory SBP/DBP of 135/85 mm Hg or greater and an SBP/DBP less than 170/105 mm Hg after a 4-week washout of their medications. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 40 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater and with suitable renal artery anatomy were randomized 2:1 to undergo ultrasound renal denervation or a sham procedure. Patients were to abstain from antihypertensive medications until the 2-month follow-up unless prespecified BP criteria were exceeded and were associated with clinical symptoms. Ultrasound renal denervation vs a sham procedure. The primary efficacy outcome was the mean change in daytime ambulatory SBP at 2 months. The primary safety composite outcome of major adverse events included death, kidney failure, and major embolic, vascular, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and hypertensive events at 30 days and renal artery stenosis greater than 70% detected at 6 months. The secondary outcomes included mean change in 24-hour ambulatory SBP, home SBP, office SBP, and all DBP parameters at 2 months. Among 1038 eligible patients, 150 were randomized to ultrasound renal denervation and 74 to a sham procedure (mean age, 55 years [SD, 9.3 years]; 28.6% female; and 16.1% self-identified as Black or African American). The reduction in daytime ambulatory SBP was greater with ultrasound renal denervation (mean, -7.9 mm Hg [SD, 11.6 mm Hg]) vs the sham procedure (mean, -1.8 mm Hg [SD, 9.5 mm Hg]) (baseline-adjusted between-group difference, -6.3 mm Hg [95% CI, -9.3 to -3.2 mm Hg], P < .001), with a consistent effect of ultrasound renal denervation throughout the 24-hour circadian cycle. Among 7 secondary BP outcomes, 6 were significantly improved with ultrasound renal denervation vs the sham procedure. No major adverse events were reported in either group. In patients with hypertension, ultrasound renal denervation reduced daytime ambulatory SBP at 2 months in the absence of antihypertensive medications vs a sham procedure without postprocedural major adverse events. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03614260.

Anticoagulation and bleeding events in Patients with Post- Operative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Background Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POPAF) following cardiac surgery is a common arrhythmia associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. There is little data evaluating the safety and effectiveness of anticoagulation (AC) in POPAF patients. We investigated the occurrence of 30-days POP major bleeding or embolic events and their timing in relation to the index cardiac surgery, the initiation of the arrhythmia and of anticoagulation in patients who developed new onset POPAF. Methods 4,073 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from September 2010- December 2016 were evaluated. Patients with history of AF/Aflutter were excluded. POPAF was confirmed by ECG or telemetry. Major post-operative bleeding that occurred after AF was defined using PLATO criteria or the BARC scale (any ≥3). Results 3,230 patients were included (37% CABG, 69% valve surgery). The incidence of POAF was 24%. The median time (IQR) of POPAF was 3 (2) days after the index surgery. 64% of POAF patients were male and 14% had a history of stroke. The mean (SD) age was 72 (9) years old. The average (SD) CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.9 (1.5). The initial postoperative AC was full dose heparin, lovenox or argatroban in 58% of patients. The rest of patients had low dose heparin/lovenox for DVT prophylaxis and/or were started on oral anticoagulation without a bridge. The median (IR) time of POPAF to anticoagulation was 1 (2) days. There were 15 (1.9%) major bleeding events; 88% of which occurred in patients receiving full anticoagulation. Major bleeding events occurred a median of 15 (9) days after the index surgery and 9 (6) days after anticoagulation. Independent predictors of major bleed were history of PAD (P&amp;lt;0.01) and pre-operative use of b-blockers (P=0.04). There were 11 (1.4%) POP strokes which occurred a median of 5 (16) days after the index surgery, and 2 (13) days after POPAF. 63% of strokes happened in patients that received anticoagulation. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score were 3.9 (1.5) and 4.7 (1.7), P=0.1 for patients without and with strokes, respectively. Stroke history (P&amp;lt;0.01) was the only independent stroke predictor. Both strokes and bleeding events were associated with significantly longer ICU and hospital length of stay. 86% of POPAF patients received amiodarone during hospitalization and 2.1% electric cardioversion. Upon discharge, 2.3% of patients were in in atrial fibrillation and 0.8% in atrial flutter. Conclusion The post-operative course of major bleeds and stroke in patients with POPAF after cardiac surgery is different. Bleeding events are delayed and appear related to anticoagulation. The relative benefit of perioperative anticoagulation remains unclear. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Infective Endocarditis in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

BackgroundInfective endocarditis (IE) is a common and serious complication in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD). ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate whether there are significant differences in complications, cardiac surgery, relapses, and mortality between IE cases in HD and non-HD patients. MethodsProspective cohort study (International Collaboration on Endocarditis databases, encompassing 7,715 IE episodes from 2000 to 2006 and from 2008 to 2012). Descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics, epidemiological and etiological features, complications and outcomes, and their comparison between HD and non-HD patients was performed. Risk factors for major embolic events, cardiac surgery, relapses, and in-hospital and 6-month mortality were investigated in HD-patients using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsA total of 6,691 patients were included and 553 (8.3%) received HD. North America had a higher HD-IE proportion than the other regions. The predominant microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (47.8%), followed by enterococci (15.4%). Both in-hospital and 6-month mortality were significantly higher in HD versus non–HD-IE patients (30.4% vs. 17% and 39.8% vs. 20.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Cardiac surgery was less frequently performed among HD patients (30.6% vs. 46.2%; p < 0.001), whereas relapses were higher (9.4% vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001). Risk factors for 6-month mortality included Charlson score (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 1.44; p = 0.001), CNS emboli and other emboli (HR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.84 to 5.27; p < 0.001; and HR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.93; p = 0.04, respectively), persistent bacteremia (HR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.88; p = 0.02), and acute onset heart failure (HR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.49 to 3.78; p < 0.001). ConclusionsHD-IE is a health care–associated infection chiefly caused by S. aureus, with increasing rates of enterococcal IE. Mortality and relapses are very high and significantly larger than in non–HD-IE patients, whereas cardiac surgery is less frequently performed.

Portraying infective endocarditis: results of multinational ID-IRI study.

Infective endocarditis is a growing problem with many shifts due to ever-increasing comorbid illnesses, invasive procedures, and increase in the elderly. We performed this multinational study to depict definite infective endocarditis. Adult patients with definite endocarditis hospitalized between January 1, 2015, and October 1, 2018, were included from 41 hospitals in 13 countries. We included microbiological features, types and severity of the disease, complications, but excluded therapeutic parameters. A total of 867 patients were included. A total of 631 (72.8%) patients had native valve endocarditis (NVE), 214 (24.7%) patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), 21 (2.4%) patients had pacemaker lead endocarditis, and 1 patient had catheter port endocarditis. Eighteen percent of NVE patients were hospital-acquired. PVE patients were classified as early-onset in 24.9%. A total of 385 (44.4%) patients had major embolic events, most frequently to the brain (n = 227, 26.3%). Blood cultures yielded pathogens in 766 (88.4%). In 101 (11.6%) patients, blood cultures were negative. Molecular testing of vegetations disclosed pathogens in 65 cases. Overall, 795 (91.7%) endocarditis patients had any identified pathogen. Leading pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus (n = 267, 33.6%), Streptococcus viridans (n = 149, 18.7%), enterococci (n = 128, 16.1%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 92, 11.6%)) displayed substantial resistance profiles. A total of 132 (15.2%) patients had cardiac abscesses; 693 (79.9%) patients had left-sided endocarditis. Aortic (n = 394, 45.4%) and mitral valves (n = 369, 42.5%) were most frequently involved. Mortality was more common in PVE than NVE (NVE (n = 101, 16%), PVE (n = 49, 22.9%), p = 0.042).

Increased mean platelet volume in patients with infective endocarditis and embolic events

Platelet activation appears to play an important role in thromboembolic complications of infective endocarditis (IE). Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a potentially useful marker of platelet activity and a quick and easy determinant of thrombotic risk. Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the baseline platelet volume indices (MPV and platelet distribution width [PDW]) in IE patients who developed embolic events in the follow-up period and who did not. The study group consisted of 76 consecutive patients (female: 55, male: 21, mean age: 26 years old, ranged: 8-64 years) with definite IE according to Duke Criteria. Thirty four healthy subjects, who were age and gender adjusted, served as the control group. The mean duration of hospital stay was 44 days. Among the IE patients, 13 (13/76, 17.1%) had major embolic events. Significantly larger vegetations were observed in patients with embolic events as compared to non-embolic group (1.4 vs. 1.0 cm, p = 0.03). MPV at hospital admission was higher in patients who had embolic events in the follow-up period compared to both those who did not and the control subjects (10.62 ± 1.13 vs. 9.25 ± 0.97 and 8.93 ± 0.82 fL, p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the patients with embolic events had increased PDW compared to the non-embolic ones and the control group (16.31 ± 2.42 vs. 14.35 ± 1.97 and 14.04 ± 1.82%, p < 0.001, respectively). The present study demonstrated that IE patients with embolic events had increased MPV and PDW values, compared to non-embolics. Future prospective studies with standardized measurements may clarify the clinical role of platelet volume indices in thrombo-embolic complications of IE.

Evaluation of Vegetation Size and Its Relationship With Embolism in Infective Endocarditis

Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography studies have shown that the maximum length of vegetation (MLV)≥10 mm is a predictor of embolic events (EEs) in patients with infective endocarditis. However, 2D measurements probably underestimate the vegetation dimensions. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in determining MLV and its accuracy in identifying the risk for EEs compared with 2D transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). We analyzed 60 patients with vegetations. RT3DTEE measurement of MLV was obtained with Advanced QLAB Quantification Software by cropping the 3D volume with the appropriate 2D plane to obtain the largest value. The standard 2DTEE images were also evaluated to determine the MLV. Major EEs were registered from medical records, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between MLV and EEs. The RT3DTEE MLV was larger than the 2DTEE value with a mean difference of 3.2 mm (95% confidence interval, 2.1-4.2 mm). The best cut-off value for prediction of EEs was MLV≥20 mm with RT3DTEE and MLV≥16 mm with 2DTEE. The positive predictive value increased from 59.1% to 65.2% when RT3DTEE was used. The accuracy of classification of patients with EEs increased from 65% to 70% with this new technique. RT3DTEE is a feasible technique for the analysis of vegetation morphology and size that may overcome the shortcoming of 2DTEE, leading to a better prediction of the embolism risk in patients with infective endocarditis.

Outcomes and Safety of Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients aged ≥80 years with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in daily clinical practice. From February 1, 2000 to June 30, 2009, we enrolled all patients aged ≥80 years with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation attended at 2 outpatient cardiology clinics of a tertiary care university hospital. The patients received antithrombotic treatment according to the recommendations from scientific societies and were prospectively followed, with major events (i.e., all-cause death, stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral embolism, severe bleeding) analyzed according to the treatment group (OAC vs no OAC). Of 269 patients included in the present study (87 men, mean age 83 ± 3 years), 164 received OAC (61%). After 2.8 ± 1.9 years of follow-up, the raw rates (per 100 patient-years) of embolic events (1.52% vs 8.30%, p <0.0001) and mortality (6.67% vs 10.94%, p = 0.04) were lower for patients receiving OAC, with a nonsignificant greater rate of severe bleeding (3.03% vs 1.25%, p = 0.14). The probability of survival free of major embolic or hemorrhagic events at the mean follow-up was greater for patients receiving OAC (82.27% vs 66.10%, p = 0.004). After adjustment for age, gender, coronary heart disease, and embolic risk, evaluated using the CHADS(2) score (congestive heart failure, 1 point; hypertension [blood pressure consistently >140/90 mm Hg or hypertension medication], 1 point; age ≥75 years, 1 point; diabetes mellitus, 1 point; previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, 2 points), only OAC was an independent predictor of embolic events (hazard ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.41, p <0.001). The CHADS(2) score (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.73, p = 0.04) and OAC (hazard ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.88, p = 0.01) were independent predictors of mortality. In conclusion, OAC according to the scientific societies' recommendations is effective and safe in daily clinical practice, even in patients aged ≥80 years.

Giant thrombus in the ascending aorta that caused systemic embolism

Although an ascending aortic thrombus is a rare finding, it may cause major embolic complications. We report a case of a 58-year-old male who suffered from cerebral and left renal infarctions due to emboli from a giant thrombus in the ascending aorta. The thrombus was demonstrated by computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography. Ten days after the initiation of anticoagulation therapy, surgery was performed. After a median sternotomy was performed and cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated, the ascending aorta was replaced with a synthetic graft under hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion. The excised specimen revealed a 3.5×3.0×3.0-cm pedunculated thrombus. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, and there was no recurrence of aortic thrombosis during one year of postoperative follow-up. The patient had no coagulation disorders, and the etiology of this giant thrombus remains unclear. We believe that initial treatment for an ascending aortic thrombus should be emergency surgery before it leads to major embolic events. However, the treatment strategy for a thrombus causing cerebral infarction is sometimes difficult to develop.

Deep venous thrombosis after office vasectomy: a case report

IntroductionPostoperative pulmonary embolism is considered a complication of major surgery. However, thromboembolism can also occur following minor procedures. We report a case of a major embolic event following a straightforward office vasectomy.Case presentationA healthy 35-year-old Asian man underwent an uncomplicated office vasectomy. Soon after, he noticed vague chest pain and dyspnea. Lower extremity Doppler ultrasound revealed acute venous thrombosis. A computer-assisted tomography angiogram revealed extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli. Extensive laboratory work-up failed to identify thrombophilia. He has not had any recurrences in the eight years since the initial presentation.ConclusionThis case highlights that major embolic events can follow minor office procedures. Patients with suggestive findings should be investigated aggressively.

Embolies systémiques récidivantes : chercher le thrombus dans… l’aorte

Thoracic aortic mural thrombus is a rare entity and potential source of serious systemic emboli. The progress of computed tomography (CT) angiography and the current use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after any embolic event have considerably increased the frequency of diagnostic and there is a growing interest about the etiopathogenesis, which is still widely misunderstood. Therapeutic management remains controversial. We present a case of floating thrombus in the thoracic aorta detected by contrast-enhanced CT scan. This thrombus was responsible for two close major embolic events and was therefore managed surgically. Finally, outcome was favorable.

Brain Embolic Event in Infective Endocarditis: Risk Factor Analysis

Purpose Embolic events occur in 30% to 40% of patients with left-sided infective endocarditis. This study is designed to identify the relationship between embolic events, echocardiographic findings, clinical features and patient outcome. Methods. In this retrospective study, we identified 93 patients with definite infective endocarditis from January 1998 to December 2002 according to modified Duke criteria. The relationships between age, sex, microorganism, major embolic events, involved valve, vegetation size, peak C-reactive protein and in-hospital death were analyzed. Results. There were 93 patients with infective endocarditis, 28 had major embolic events. The major embolic events included brain emboli, spleen emboli, pulmonary emboli and kidney emboli. There were 8 patients with brain embolism in the non-fatal group (n=71) and 8 patients in the fatal group (n=22). The incidence of brain embolism was significantly higher in the fatal group (p=0.019). The risk factors of brain embolism were mitral valve involvement (p=0.003) and vegetation size greater than 1 cm in diameter. No significant difference in vegetation size was found between embolisms involving the mitral valve and aortic valves. Conclusions. Brain embolism is a prognostic predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with infective endocarditis. Patients are at higher risk of brain emboli in infective endocarditis with mitral valve involvement and vegetation size greater than 1 cm in diameter.

Effect of infective endocarditis on blood coagulation and platelet activation and comparison of patients with to those without embolic events

Inflammation-induced procoagulant changes and alterations in platelet activity appear to play an important role in thromboembolic complications of infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of this study was to investigate systemic coagulation activity, fibrinolytic capacity, and platelet activation in IE patients with and without embolic events by measuring the plasma levels of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, thrombin–antithrombin III complex, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, β-thromboglobulin, and platelet factor 4. The study included 76 consecutive patients with definite IE according to the Duke criteria. Among them, 13 (17.1%) had major embolic events. Plasma concentrations of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (3.2 ± 1.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.7 and 1.4 ± 0.7 nmol/L, p <0.001, respectively) and thrombin–antithrombin (7.3 ± 1.5 vs 2.9 ± 1.2 and 2.2 ± 1.1 ng/ml, p <0.001, respectively) were elevated in patients with embolic events compared with both patients without embolic events and control subjects. Similarly, patients with embolic events had increased plasma levels of β-thromboglobulin (63.3 ± 10.9 vs 33.1 ± 11.6 and 19.1 ± 10.6 ng/ml, p <0.001, respectively) and platelet factor 4 (106.0 ± 28.7 vs 50.3 ± 16.7 and 43.0 ± 15.8 ng/ml, p <0.001, respectively) compared with those without embolic events and the control group. Embolic patients also had higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels than both nonembolic patients and healthy subjects (14.4 ± 6.4 vs 8.6 ± 5.9 and 5.4 ± 4.3 ng/ml, p = 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, IE patients with subsequent thromboembolism have increased systemic coagulation activation, enhanced platelet activity/damage, and impaired fibrinolysis. The resulting imbalance produces a sustained hypercoagulable state that may contribute to the increased risk of thromboembolic events in this particular group.

The use of inferior vena cava filter as a treatment modality for massive pulmonary embolism. A case series and review of pathophysiology

The use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter for massive pulmonary emboli (PE) with cardiopulmonary instability has not been clinically studied. We present a case series of six such patients who received an IVC filter with anticoagulation rather than thrombolysis because of high risk of bleeding. Acute pulmonary embolectomy was considered, but was not possible for a variety of individual clinical situations. These six hospitalized patients prospectively followed during their admission. They were triaged to three medical intensive care units (ICUs) and one surgical ICU in three university teaching hospitals. One patient was transferred from another institution. All six patients had severe hypoxia and tenuous cardiopulmonary status. All required high inspiratory oxygen and hemodynamic support; two required mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. An IVC filter was placed emergently and anticoagulation was started immediately. All six patients had resolution of pulmonary thromboemboli (PTE) on anticoagulation while the IVC filter prevented further PE. All six patients were discharged home in their pre-critical illness state. None of the patients suffered complications from this therapy and had excellent resolution of cardiopulmonary collapse. The IVC filter placement prevented further major embolic events while the PTE resolved with anticoagulation. An IVC filter should be considered as an adjunct to anticoagulation therapy for those patients with massive PE and cardiopulmonary instability who are not candidates for thrombolysis, and acute pulmonary embolectomy is not readily available or is of very high risk.

Endovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms

BACKGROUND Paraclinoid aneurysms include those that are distal to the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and proximal to the posterior communicating artery. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the endovascular treatment of this group of aneurysms, which are difficult to treat surgically. METHODS Between June 1994 and April 1999, 66 patients (56 female, 10 male) with a mean age of 50.1 years (range 13–75, median 51) underwent endovascular treatment for 71 paraclinoid aneurysms. The mean size of the dome was 8.9 mm (range 3–25 mm, median 7) and the of neck was 3.8 mm (range 1.4–8 mm, median 4). Thirteen patients presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 4 with previous subarachnoid hemorrhage. Six aneurysms produced mass effect with visual symptoms, 4 presented with transient ischemic attacks, and 44 were incidental. Nine patients had had previous unsuccessful surgery. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia and with systemic heparinization. RESULTS Ninety endovascular procedures were performed on 71 aneurysms: GDC coiling in 78 (including 45 with the remodeling technique), permanent balloon occlusion in 9, and 3 had both GDC coiling and permanent balloon occlusion. In ten aneurysms it was not possible to place coils in the lumen of the aneurysm with the available technology and balloon occlusion was not indicated. Five of these were treated surgically and 5 remain untreated. All patients had immediate post procedure angiography. Of the 61 aneurysms that were treated, 46 (75%) have angiographic follow-up of 6 months or more. Morphological outcome following endovascular therapy for 61 aneurysms at last available follow-up showed > 95% occlusion in 52/61 (85.2%) and <95% in 9/61 (14.8%). Eight patients required surgery, 2 for partial coiling, 2 for refilling of a neck remnant, 2 for persistent mass effect and 2 for coil protrusion. In the 90 procedures performed, 2 (2.2%) patients had major permanent deficits (1 monocular blindness, 1 hemiparesis), 1 (1.1%) had a minor visual field cut, and 2 (2.2%) patients died from major embolic events. CONCLUSION Properly selected paraclinoid aneurysms can be successfully treated by endovascular technology. The morbidity and mortality rate of the endovascular approach in our experience is equal to or better than the published surgical series of similar aneurysms. We recommend that the endovascular approach be given primary consideration in the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms.

The presence of infection-related antiphospholipid antibodies in infective endocarditis determines a major risk factor for embolic events

OBJECTIVESThe impact of infection-associated antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) on endothelial cell activation, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis was evaluated in patients with infective endocarditis with and without major embolic events.BACKGROUNDAn embolic event is a common and severe complication of infective endocarditis. Despite the fact that APAs are known to be associated with infectious diseases, their pathogenic role in infective endocarditis has not been clearly defined.METHODSThe relationship among the occurrence of major embolic events, echocardiographic vegetation size, endothelial cell activation, thrombin generation, fibrinolysis and APA was examined in 91 patients with definite infective endocarditis, including 26 patients with embolic events and 65 control subjects without embolic events.RESULTSOverall, 14.3% of patients exhibited elevated APA levels. Embolic events occurred more frequently in patients with elevated levels of APA than in patients without (61.5% vs. 23.1%; p = 0.008). Patients with elevated levels of APA showed higher levels of prothrombin-fragment F1+2 (p = 0.005), plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 (p = 0.0002), von Willebrand factor (p = 0.002) and lower levels of activated protein C (p = 0.001) than patients with normal levels of APA. Thrombin generation and endothelial cell activation were both positively correlated with levels of APA. The occurrence of elevated APA levels was frequently associated with structural valve abnormalities (p = 0.01) and vegetations >1.3 cm (p = 0.002).CONCLUSIONSInfection-associated elevated APA levels in patients with infective endocarditis are related to endothelial cell activation, thrombin generation and impairment of fibrinolysis. This may contribute to the increased risk for major embolic events in these patients.

Unusual Pathogens in Narcotic-Associated Endocarditis

We report the cases of three adults with a history of intravenous drug abuse who developed endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium xerosis, Neisseria subflava, and Neisseria flavescens, respectively. No cases of endocarditis caused by C. xerosis or N. flavescens and only one case caused by N. subflava have previously been reported in association with narcotic addiction. The prominent clinical features in all patients included poor response to antibiotic therapy, persistent fever, and major embolic events. Stigmata of infection with human immunodeficiency virus, as manifested by oral candidiasis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and serologic evidence, were present in two of the three patients. At our institution, where Staphylococcus aureus remains the most frequent etiologic agent of narcotic-associated endocarditis, the occurrence of these three cases in a 9-month period is striking. We speculate that infection with human immunodeficiency virus may play a role in the pathogenesis of endocarditis caused by these unusual organisms.

Heart Valve Replacement with the Björk-Shiley Monostrut Valve in Patients Over 60 Years of Age

Over a period of five years (1983-88) 210 Björk-Shiley monostrut mechanical tilting disc prostheses were implanted in 176 patients over the age of 60. There were 61 aortic valve replacements, 86 mitral valve replacements and 29 multiple replacements. Patients were aged between 61 and 78 years (mean 65.5 years), 89% were in NYHA grades III and IV preoperatively and 34.6% had had previous cardiac surgery. Concomitant coronary surgery was performed in 15.9%. Early mortality was 9.1%. Follow-up is 100% complete. There were eight late deaths (3.1 per 100 patient years) of which three were valve-related (prosthetic endocarditis 2, periprosthetic leak 1). Actuarial survival at five years is 98% for aortic valve replacement and 93% for mitral valve replacement. There were no major embolic events and four possible minor embolic events. Overall freedom from anticoagulant complications was 88.9% at five years. No deaths occurred because of anticoagulant-related haemorrhage. There were no episodes of valve failure (thrombotic obstruction or mechanical disruption). Six patients were reoperated for complications: two for periprosthetic leak and three for prosthetic endocarditis. These results compare favourably with those of other valve substitutes and justify the continuing use of the Björk-Shiley monostrut tilting disc prosthesis in the elderly.

RANDOMISED COMPARISON OF TWO INTENSITIES OF ORAL ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY AFTER TISSUE HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT

After tissue heart valve replacement 108 patients were randomised to standard anticoagulant control with rabbit brain thromboplastin (Dade C reagent, therapeutic range 18-24 s; international normalised ratio 2·5-40) and 102 to a less intensive regimen controlled with human brain thromboplastin (Manchester Comparative Reagent, therapeutic range 26-30 s; INR 2·0-2·25). Treatment was continued for three months, outcome measures being major or minor embolism or haemorrhage. 2 patients in each group had major embolic events and 11 in each group had minor embolic events. The 95% confidence intervals on the differences are -3·4% to 3·2% for major embolism and -9·3% to 82% for minor embolism. Haemorrhagic complications were significantly more frequent with standard treatment (15 patients) than with the less intensive regimen (6 patients); and of the 5 patients with major haemorrhagic complications, all were in the standard treatment group, again a significant difference. The less intensive regimen is thus no less effective and safer than standard anticoagulant therapy in patients with tissue heart valve replacement.