Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Thromboembolism Research Articles

Evaluation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and apelin 13 levels as new potential biomarkers for pulmonary thromboembolism: A prospective clinical study

AimThe objective was to evaluate the serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and apelin 13 in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) and to investigate their diagnostic and prognostic role in PE patients with different mortality risk groups. Material and methodsThis study was conducted in a tertiary referral center and included 124 subjects with 94 cases of PE and 30 cases of healthy control group. All subjects were 18 years of age or older. The diagnosis of PE was done with computed tomography angiography of the thorax. After the diagnosis of acute PE, the serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and apelin 13 levels were measured with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. ResultsThe median and IQR (interquartile range) age of patients and control groups were 68 (56–76) and 61.5 (56–67) years, respectively. The majority of patients with PE had risk factors (97.88 %), and only two (2.12 %) had no known risk factors. HIF-1 alpha level was found to be higher in the patient group than in the control group (p = 0.03). At the same time, the HIF-1 alpha level was found to be higher in the high mortality risk group than in the control group, low mortality risk group and intermediate-low mortality risk group (p = 0.000, 0.011, 0.002, respectively). While there was no significant difference in NGAL level between the patient group and the control group, a significant difference was observed between the mortality groups. NGAL level was found to be higher in the high mortality risk group than the control group, low mortality risk group, and medium-low mortality risk group (p = 0.001, 0.000, 0.010, respectively). Apelin 13 levels did not differ significantly in all groups. ConclusionHIF-1 alpha is a promising biomarker in distinguishing between patients and control groups and in identifying those with high mortality risk in the patient group. At the same time, NGAL can be used as a successful biomarker in determining the group with high mortality risk in cases of PE.

The Role of Advanced Post-processing Techniques in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for the Accurate Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Study

The Role of Advanced Post-processing Techniques in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography for the Accurate Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Study

Right-Sided Cardiac Thrombosis and Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Chronic Chagas Disease: A Review of Clinical Features and Post-Mortem Examination.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is a potential major complication in patients with chronic Chagas heart disease (CChD). The source of PE is the right-sided chambers instead of deep vein thrombosis. Little is known regarding risk factors, clinical picture, and the clinical course of patients with PE secondary to CChD. The aim of this review was to try to provide doctors with such data. We searched for papers related to PE in CChD patients in the PUBMED from 1955 to 2020. Twenty-six manuscripts were retrieved, of which 12 fulfilled entry criteria and were included in the study. Right-sided cardiac thrombosis or PE was confirmed on morphological or imaging studies. A total of 431 patients with PE were reported. Age varied from 30 to 85 years. About 332 patients were reported to have chronic heart failure (CHF), whereas 41 (9%) sudden cardiac death (SCD) at autopsy. Clinical manifestations reported were sudden onset dyspnea was found in 1 patient, haemoptysis in 2, worsening CHF in 2, and chest pain in 1. An X-ray chest was reported for 6 patients: abnormalities consistent with PE were found in 3. The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) was reported for 5 patients: it was abnormal in all. One study reported a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 42.1 18.7%. The prevalence of right-sided cardiac thrombosis varied from 66% to 85% patients. PE was the cause of death in 17% of patients. The clinical diagnosis of PE in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM) is very difficult in the absence of a prediction score that performs well. However, in the presence of haemoptysis or worsening heart failure (HF), abnormal ECG, or chest X-ray, the diagnosis of PE should be raised, and patients promptly referred to detailed Doppler Tissue Echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, and treated in a timely manner.

A Case of Pulmonary Embolism after to Receiving a Dose of Sildenafil

Introduction: Several studies have posited the potential of PDE5Is to precipitate arterial and venous thrombotic or embolic incidents, albeit rare occurrences. The present investigation documents a case of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in an elderly male patient, aged 81, following the consumption of sildenafil. Case Report: An 81-year-old male patient who was previously diagnosed with syncope was admitted to our Emergency Department. He reported symptoms of dyspnea and vertigo. Approximately two hours before admission, there was a history of accidentally ingesting a total dose of 100 milligrams of sildenafil. Conclusion: The occurrence of PTE after sildenafil administration in this case, albeit rare, underscores the significance of meticulous evaluation of medications during patient history-taking. This case report, the importance of thorough efforts to rule out the diagnosis of PTE and to address even the slightest suspicion.

One year follow-up and literature review of three young-age cases with high risk pulmonary thromboembolism

High-risk pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is an emergency clinical condition with high mortality. High-risk pulmonary thromboembolism is generally seen in immobile patients, elderly, have malignancies, and have a long-term travel history. Our aim here is to emphasize that high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism may also occur in young patients. Considering the symptoms and risk factors such as oral contraceptive use, obesity, and operation history, PTE can be detected with Pulmonary Computed Tomography-Angiography (CTPA) or Ventilation Perfusion Scintigraphy (V/Q) when necessary. It should be verified that it is not. Genetic mutation, obesity, oral contraceptive use, and previous operation history were accepted as risk factors in the young patients we treated and followed up with high-risk Pulmonary Thromboembolism presented here. After the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism was made at the first stage in our patients who applied to the emergency department, the risk group was determined by taking into account the current guidelines. Three patients considered to be at high risk were evaluated for thrombolytic therapy. Two patients without contraindications were given a full dose, and one patient was given a half dose of thrombolytic. After being monitored in intensive care for the first 24 hours, they were taken to the service. Due to their young age (<45 years), their thrombophilia panel was checked. Anticoagulant treatments were started and follow-ups were planned at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after discharge. During the follow-up visits, CTPA, echocardiography (ECHO), and lower extremity Doppler ultrasound imaging were performed.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in acute pulmonary embolism: a risk factor evaluation study

Aims: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a highly mortal disease, defined by presence of thrombus partially or completely obstructing pulmonary arteries and/or veins, commonly originated from deep venous system. Chronic thrombroembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of PTE with high mortality if not treated properly. In recent studies, incidence of CTEPH was found between %0,4-9,1. Due to clinically silent PTE in roughly %50 of patients, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact incidence of CTEPH. In this study, we aim to investigate PTE patients during their long-term follow up to observe CTEPH presence and evaluate CTEPH risk factors. Methods: Patients who had been evaluated in emergency service and/or admitted to pulmonary medicine ward between January 2014 and January 2017 with PTE diagnosis confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) were accepted retrospectively into the study. Their echocardiography, CTPA and lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography at 3., 6. and 12. months follow up were also included. In the patient group with pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP ) above 50 mmHg and residual thrombosis at CTPA, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy had been performed and was added to the study. Among those suitable for CTEPH, right cardiac catheterization had been done to confirm the diagnosis and accepted as CTEPH. In addition to this group, patients who were not found suitable for right cardiac catheterization but wereclinically suitable for CTEPH are also included in the CTEPH group. Results: Average age of patients included into the study was 62(±16, 5), with 71 (%39) being male and 111 (%61) female. As for risk factors, 130 (%71,4) had acquired, 16 (%8,8) had genetic and the rest 36 (%19,8) did not have any prominent risk factors. At time of diagnosis, 10 patients were accepted as massive, 26 as sub massive and the rest 139 were considered non-massive PTE. Due to hemodynamic instability, 7 (%3,8) patients were given thrombolytic therapy. During 1 year follow-up, 5 (%2,7) patients were diagnosed with CTPH. When further investigation was performed on these 5 patients, atrial fibrillation (AF), persistent thrombosis at 12. month follow up CTPA and PAP above 55 mmHg upon time of diagnosis were found significant risk factors (p being 0,001/0,023/0,009 respectively). In multivariate analysis, no independent predictive factors were found in regards to CTEPH diagnosis. Conclusion: CTEPH is a preventable complication of PTE with severe mortality and morbidity if not properly treated. It might prove useful to utilize echocardiography and CTPA together, especially in those in high risk groups, for diagnosis of patients in early stage of CTEPH with no evident signs or symptoms.

Mechanical circulatory support in high-risk PE for more than a decade

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background/Introduction Absence of solid evidence in clinical practice guidelines on the management of patients with a severe pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in a situation of cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support (veno-arterial ECMO). A registry has been carried out in a tertiary hospital of patients admitted to the Cardiological Critical Care Unit (CCCU) with a diagnosis of high-risk PTE and V-A ECMO implantation. Purpose The objective is to describe the experience of our center due to the paucity of evidence from current guidelines in this area iin terms of morbimortality and expected outcomes. Methods Data were collected from all patients admitted with a diagnosis of high-risk PE in the CCCU from 05/01/2010 to 05/01/2023. Of these, only those in whom V-A ECMO was implemented during admission were analyzed and described below. Clinical, analytical and survival variables were explored. Results A total of 11 patients were included, 3 (27.27%) being women. The mean age was 53 years (SD 10.64). Every V-A ECMO cannulation was performed in a femoro-femoral configuration by a surgical approach. The mean length of stay in the Critical Care Unit, total hospital stay length and circulatory support time were respectively: 8 days (SD 5.5); 20.7 days (DS 16.5) and 3 days (DS 1.9). The indication for the implantation of V-A ECMO was in a situation of SCAI-E in 7 patients (in 2 of them, V-A ECMO was implanted during cardiac arrest, and a 100% of mortality was described in the first 24 hours). On the other hand, in the remaining 4 patients, the indication for support was a deteriorating evolution despite amines. Of these, in 2 of them, there was a formal contraindication for the administration of systemic fibrinolytic treatment (recent major surgery, in one of them oncology). It should be noted that VA ECMO without adjuvant fibrinolysis was used in 6 of the patients (54.5%), and in 1 of them (16%) of them died (anoxic encephalopathy). However, the remaining 5 patients received combined VA ECMO therapy and systemic fibrinolysis (45.5%), with 2 deaths reported in this subgroup (40%). Those deceases happened both due to adequacy of the therapeutic effort in the context of multiple organ failure. No major bleeding was reported, even in the combination therapy group. Conclusions Support with V-A ECMO has allowed survival >70% in patients diagnosed with high-risk pulmonary embolism, including in those cases with absolute contraindication for systemic fibrinolysis. High safety profile in terms of bleeding even in those patients with a combined approach.

Clinical value of deep vein thrombosis density on lower-extremity CT venography: prediction of pulmonary thromboembolism.

Diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) can be delayed if the signs and symptoms of patients are nonspecific. To assess the clinical value of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) density on computed tomography (CT) venography for predicting PTE. From 2016 to 2021, patients with DVT diagnosed on lower-extremity CT venography were included. Of these patients, those without PTE were classified into 'DVT-only group' and those with PTE were classified into the 'DVT with PTE group'. The DVT Hounsfield unit (HU) density was measured by drawing free-hand region-of-interests within the thrombus at the most proximal filling defect level. The risk factors associated with PTE were identified by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the value of DVT density for predicting the risk of PTE. This study included 177 patients with a mean age of 41.7 ± 10.3 years (DVT-only group: 105 patients; DVT with PTE group: 72 patients). DVT density was significantly higher in DVT with the PTE group than DVT-only group (66.8HU ± 8.7 vs. 57.9HU ± 11.1, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the risk of PTE were 0.737, 72.2%, and 66.7%, respectively, at a DVT density cutoff of 63.0 HU. On univariate and multivariate analysis, DVT density was the only significant risk factor associated with PTE. Higher DVT density was a significant risk factor for PTE. In addition, DVT density could be a predictive factor for PTE.

P372 PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT–REAL–WORLD EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY CENTER

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary thromboembolism represents a therapeutic challenge for patients admitted to cardiology intensive care units, given the variety of clinical presentations and available treatment opportunities. Methods This retrospective, single–center study recruited patients hospitalized in cardiology intensive care units with a diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism between April 2010 and May 2022. For each hospitalized patient, Wells and PESI scores were calculated, the location of the PE was identified, and acute PE resolution at discharge was determined. Patients with cardiac arrest (CCA) and/or cardiogenic shock were identified, and RV longitudinal systolic function (TAPSE) and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) were studied. Patients were then stratified based on their clinical risk of in–hospital or 30–day mortality (early mortality); acute phase and discharge treatments and patients who developed major bleeding complications were identified. Results A total of 148 patients were recruited, with a median age of 66 years and predominantly male (51.4%). In 6.4% of patients, in–hospital death occurred (from 0% in low–risk patients to 25% in high–risk patients), 12.2% developed cardiogenic shock and/or CCA. 25.0% of patients had an ongoing neoplasm. Systemic thrombolytic therapy and Sonos were the most effective in terms of mortality (p=0.015) and RV function at discharge in high–risk patients, although associated with a high risk of bleeding. Intermediate–low–risk patients treated with reperfusion therapy showed better RV function parameters, although the sample size did not allow for statistical significance. Conclusions The results obtained are in line with those of the literature with regard to epidemiology, total hospital stay, correlation between acute PE and neoplasms, in–hospital death and FU death. Furthermore, Sonos represents an effective alternative to full–dose systemic thrombolysis in high–risk patients who cannot undergo the latter. Finally, in intermediate–low risk patients, there may be a role for reperfusion therapy in selected patients with very low bleeding risk.

Incidental perioperative diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism and its successful management in a rural tertiary cancer care centre with limited resources - A case study.

Incidental perioperative diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism and its successful management in a rural tertiary cancer care centre with limited resources - A case study.

Computerised clinical decision support system for the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism: a preclinical pilot study

BackgroundRecommendations for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism are available for healthcare providers. Yet, real practice data show existing gaps in the translation of evidence-based recommendations. This is a study to...

Incidence and risk factors of venous thrombotic events in patients with interstitial lung disease during hospitalization

BackgroundStudies on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are limited and the results are inconsistent. The aim of this research was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of VTE in ILD during hospitalization.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study, a total of 5009 patients diagnosed with ILD from January 2016 to March 2022 in our hospital were retrospectively included. In ILD patients, VTE including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were screened from the electronic medical record system. Diagnosis of PTE and DVT were performed by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), CTV or ultrasound. And then the incidence and risk factors of VTE in different types of ILD were assessed.ResultsAmong 5009 patients with ILD, VTE was detected in 129 (2.6%) patients, including 15(0.3%) patients with both PTE and DVT, 34 (0.7%) patients with PTE and 80 (1.6%) patients with DVT. 85.1% of patients with APE were in the intermediate-low risk group. The incidence of VTE in Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies -associated vasculitis related ILD (ANCA-AV-ILD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) respectively was 7.9% and 3.6% and 3.5%. In patients with connective tissue disease-associated ILD (CTD-ILD), the incidence of VTE, DVT, PTE, combined PTE and DVT respectively was 3.0%, 2.3%, 0.4% and 0.3%. Among the various risk factors, different ILD categories, age ≥ 80 years (OR 4.178, 95% CI 2.097–8.321, P < 0.001), respiratory failure (OR 2.382, 95% CI 1.533–3.702, P < 0.001) and varicose veins (OR 3.718, 95% CI 1.066–12.964, P = 0.039) were independent risk factors of VTE. The incidence of VTE in patients with ILD increased with the length of time in hospital from 2.2% (< 7 days) to 6.4% (> 21 days).ConclusionThe incidence of VTE during hospitalization in ILD patients was 2.6%, with a 1.6% incidence of DVT, higher than the 0.7% incidence of PTE. Advanced age, ILD categories, respiratory failure and varicose veins as independent risk factors for the development of VTE should be closely monitored.

Comparison of Colour Doppler Ultrasonography and Indirect Computer Tomography Venography for the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Thromboembolism at a Tertiary Care Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction: Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) are prevalent conditions with a high mortality rate and need immediate medical attention. The initial and standard imaging techniques are Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) for the diagnosis of PTE and Colour Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). However, there can be some issues when using these two different approaches, like the requirement for a separate area and more time. With the so-called indirect Computed Tomography Venography (CTV) approach, thrombi in the deep venous system that may cause PTE can be examined right after pulmonary CT Angiography (CTA) without the need for additional contrast agent. Aim: To determine the accuracy of indirect CTV for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in patients with suspected PTE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology in Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, India from June 2021 to May 2022. A total of 50 patients with a probable diagnosis of PTE and was established with CTA were included. All 50 patients underwent indirect CTV and CDU on the same day. For indirect CTV lower extremities between the iliac crest and the popliteal region were scanned without administration of extra contrast medium. Colour Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) was considered as Gold standard. To find the efficacy of CTV in determining DVT the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (ROC) was used. Results: Of the total 50 patients, who were enrolled in the study, 21 (42%) patients were females and 29 (58%) patients were males. The mean age of the study subjects was 43.5±12.1 years. Among these DVT was detected in 25/50 patients (50.0%) by Doppler Sonography, Similarly DVT was detected in 23/50 patients (46%) by CTV. The sensitivity of CTV was 76% and the specificity was 84%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 82.6%, Negative Predictive Values (NPV) of 77.8%. The p-value and kappa value between CTV and CDUS was calculated as 0.0005 and 0.600, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, a combined CTA indirect CTV method can determine the DVT with a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity

The Clinical Importance of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio (CAR) in Patients with Pulmonary Thromboembolism.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) commonly arises from lower extremity thrombus and can be fatal if left untreated. To date, many laboratory biomarkers have been used for predicting the prognosis in patients with PTE. C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) is a new biomarker of systemic inflammation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical importance of CAR in PTE patients. One hundred thirty-three eligible patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of PTE in our hospital between July 2016 and May 2020 were retrospectively evaluated in this study. The patients were divided into three groups as non-massive, sub-massive, and massive PTE. The results of complete blood counts (CBC) and biochemical analysis were evaluated among three groups. Neutrophil, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D-dimer, troponin, CRP, albumin, and CAR were significantly different among groups. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, CAR and troponin were determined as the independent predictors of massive PTE. Also, CAR was determined as the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with PTE. CAR may be a reliable and easily accessible parameter to determine the severity and prognosis in PTE patients.

Case of intraoperative acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography under general anesthesia and successfully managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), which carries a high mortality rate, is difficult to diagnose when it occurs intraoperatively. Therefore, patient prognosis depends on a prompt diagnosis by anesthesiologists. A 49-year-old woman underwent right lower extremity dissection due to a contusion of the right lower extremity caused by trauma. Eleven days after surgery, she underwent debridement for necrosis of the amputation wound. Intraoperatively, a drop in blood pressure and tachycardia were observed, and PTE was suspected based on a rapid deterioration in oxygen saturation and a drop in end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed a thrombus filling the right pulmonary artery, and a diagnosis of PTE was made. The patient was treated using venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and thrombectomy was performed the next day to save her life. In this case, we were able to diagnose and treat the intraoperative acute PTE at an early stage. In addition, the appropriate choice of treatment saved the patient’s life without complications.

Comparative study on Various Tube Voltages and Contrast Media Doses in CT Pulmonary Angiography to detect Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Background: Lowering the amount of iodinated contrast material and tube voltage may increase pulmonary artery opacification and thrombus identification without compromising picture quality. Objectives: To explore the efficiency of using lower tube voltage and a lower contrast medium dose for conducting computed tomography for pulmonary angiography (CTPA) aiming to increase its accuracy in detecting pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Subjects and Methods:100 patients scheduled for CTPA with a preoperative diagnosis of PTE were grouped into two: group A, (50 patients) got 1 mL/kg at 120 kV and group B, (50 patients) received 0.5 mL/kg at 80 kV.The technique of bolus tracking was implemented.Values of midpoint of multiple pulmonary artery divisions were used to assess attenuation.Significant values are those that exceed 300 Hounsfield units (HU). The dosage of radiation received by the patient, defined as the effective dose, was compared between groups. Results: Total mean attenuationdata for the pulmonary arteries have shown to be substantially greater in group-B compared to group-A (39110.4HU vs. 335.97.9HU, P=0.001). Moreover, total dose length product (DLP) values were substantially lower in group-B (934.9 mGy.cm vs. 384.443 mGy.cm, P=0.001). While effective dose values have shown to be significantly lower in group-B (2.90.3 mSv vs. 13.21.8 mSv, P 0.001). Conclusion: Low-kilovoltage technique and low quantity of iodinated contrast are useful in conducting (CTPA) with high accuracy in detection of pulmonary thromboembolism.

Temporal trend in venous thromboembolism hospitalization rates in Brazilian older adults, 2010-2020.

Aging is one of the main risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Changes in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this condition in recent years require an analysis of its rates in health services. The objective of this study was to analyze a temporal trend of hospitalizations for VTE in Brazilian older adults. This ecological time series study used data from the Hospital Information System (HIS) on VTE hospitalizations from 2010 to 2020, selecting admissions with the main diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) (I.26.0, I.26.9) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (I.80.0, I80.1, I80.2, I80.3, I80.8, I80.9). Hospitalization rates were calculated for each year and the Prais-Winsten. In Brazil, the trend of hospitalizations for VTE decreased, with an annual percentage change of -40.71 (confidence interval [CI] -50.46; -29.04). DVT decreased, with an annual percentage change of -43.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] -51.36; -33.54). All Brazilian regions showed a downward trend in hospitalizations for VTE and DVT, except for the Northeast region, which remained stable. Conversely, the trend of hospitalizations for PTE showed an upward in Brazil, with an annual percentage change of 4.33 (95% CI 1.26; 7.48). An upward trend was observed in hospitalizations for PTE in the Northeast region, and a stationary trend was observed in the other regions. The results showed a downward trend in hospitalization rates for DVT and an upward trend for PTE. The study indicates regional differences in rates and trends.

A Novel Diagnostic Marker in Pulmonary Thromboembolism? Platelet-Derived Growth Factor –β

Objective: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a condition characterized by severe cardiopulmonary injury. There is a need for a cheap and reliable biochemical marker, which is also easily and rapidly accessible, with high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of PTE. The PDGF ligand receptor system plays a role in the development of pulmonary hypertension and contributes to thickening of the vascular wall and increasing the wall tension. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether plasma PDGF-B levels increase in patients with PTE and the diagnostic value of PDGF-B in PTE along with its relationship with mortality.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective clinical study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital between March 1st, 2020 and March 1st, 2021. A total of 44 patients diagnosed as having PTE in the emergency department (patient group) and 34 healthy volunteers without any chronic disease (control group) were included in our study.&#x0D; Results: The PDGF-β levels of the patients diagnosed as having PTE in the ED were found to be significantly higher than those of patients in the control group (Z=-2.015, p=0.044). There was no significant linear relationship between PDGF-β levels and age, gender, presence of chronic disease, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as peak heart rate, respiratory rate, and axillary body temperature values at the time of admission to the emergency department, Geneva, Wells and PESI scores. In our study, no significant linear relationship was found between PDGF-β and D-Dimer levels in patients with PTE and mortality.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results obtained from this study, which investigated whether PDGF-B was a new prognostic biomarker for PTE, suggest that plasma PDGF-B levels are significantly higher in PTE cases and can aid in the diagnosis of PTE. However, PDGF-B cannot be used as a marker to predict prognosis.

Echocardiographic findings in patients with acute pulmonary embolism at Sohag University Hospitals

BackgroundAcute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the serious medical issues with higher prevalence and mortality rates. As mentioned in several medical reports, most of the chest pain patients, visiting the emergency departments, are usually diagnosed with either acute PTE, acute coronary syndromes, or acute aortic syndromes. The current study aimed to study the risk factors and explore the echocardiographic findings in patients with PTE.ResultsForty patients with acute pulmonary embolism were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) were evaluated for all participants. The echocardiography showed that 29 patients (72.5%) had echocardiographic findings suggestive of acute PTE. Twenty-four patients (60%) had tricuspid regurge. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had dilated right ventricle (RV). Also, 13 patients (32.5%) had an echocardiographic finding of pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, ten patients (25%) had McConnell’s sign, and 21 patients (52.5%) had RV systolic dysfunction where only two (5%) showed RV thrombosis. Echocardiographic data of the eight high-risk patients showed that 6 patients (75%) had TR, 8 patients (100%) had dilated RV, 5 patients (62.5%) had pulmonary hypertension, 8 patients (100%) had McConnell’s sign, one patient (12.5%) had RV thrombus, and 8 patients (100%) had RV systolic dysfunction.ConclusionThe results revealed that thrombus in the main pulmonary trunk was a high-risk factor for patients with acute pulmonary embolism. The current study suggested that echocardiography is an important bedside imaging tool for the diagnosis of PTE. Echocardiography could detect the tricuspid regurge, pulmonary hypertension, McConnell’s sign, RV dilatation, thrombosis, and dysfunction. Furthermore, echocardiography was considered a non-invasive test for rapid diagnosis of PTE and determining the degree of the risk category (high- or low-risk patients) specially with the presence of McConnell’s sign, dilated RV, and RV systolic dysfunction.

High incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients despite thrombo-prophylaxis

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infected patients present thrombotic complications caused by direct endothelial cells injury of the microvessels. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) has been reported by Computed Tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with high D-dimer levels. ObjectivesWe present the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients diagnosed of PE by CTPA in our hospital. We also present the comparison of these findings with non-infected patients with PE data. MethodsRetrospective observational cohort study that included patients over 18 years of age hospitalised consecutively between 26th February and 20th May 2020 in an European Hospital with SARS-CoV2 virus infection, and with suspected infection at beginning of admission but with negative PCR, who were studied with CTPA for suspicion of VTE, during their hospitalization. ResultsDuring the study period, 52 CTPA were performed in our hospital, sixteen in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, with 4 cases (33%) of PE in the infected group, and 11 (44%) in the non-infected group. No significant differences in age (p = 0.43) and sex (p = 0.31) were found between the two groups, infected and non-infected patients. In the infected group, the patients who had PE had a much lower median age (47.8 years) than those without PE (73.3 years). No differences between infected and non-infected patients were detected in the diagnosis of PE with CTPA, 28.6% versus 27.8% (p = 1.00). Overall patient mortality was 1.9%; one patient died (6.3%) in the infected group, and none in the non-infected group (p = 0.31). ConclusionA considerable incidence of PE diagnosed by CTPA in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients has been observed, despite thrombo-prophylaxis.