Signs Of Right Ventricular Overload Research Articles

P374 THE BAD COUSIN OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM: PRIMARY PULMONARY ARTERY SARCOMA

Abstract A young man of 29 years presented to the Emergency Room reporting worsening dyspnea for about 2 weeks. He had never had previous cardiovascular disease nor had risk factors for them. Hemodynamics were stable, but arterial blood gases showed hypocapnic hypoxia. The ECG revealed a S1Q3T3 pattern, incomplete right bundle branch block and signs of right ventricular overload. D–dimer was 4493 ng/ml. CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) showed massive bilateral embolism with thrombotic material in the right ventricle (RV) and almost complete obliteration of pulmonary trunk and main pulmonary arteries; moreover, there were subpleural nodularities in upper pulmonary lobes. Echocardiogram showed a dilated and hypokinetic RV, moderate tricuspid regurgitation with a sPAP of 80 mmHg, thrombotic pulmonary trunk obliteration and floating thrombi adhered to the tricuspid valve. UFH therapy was started. After ten days, there was no improvement in clinical status, echocardiography and CTPA. So, we decided to perform mechanical thrombectomy. In addition to thrombotic material, fibrous tissue was extracted and histologically analyzed. At the end of the procedure, the patient became hemodynamically unstable (BP 80/40 mmHg and HR 130 bpm) with dyspnea and tachypnea. ABG showed mixed acidosis. Right ventricular function worsened due to high afterload for the persistence of thrombotic material in the pulmonary trunk, defining a picture of obstructive shock. We started fibrinolysis (with rtPA), enoximone and norepinephrine, but asystole occurred and the patient eventually died. The histological examination revealed that the mass was a pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the pulmonary artery. Primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is an extremely rare and histologically heterogeneous disease. It develops mainly from great pulmonary arteries and then it grows up in the lumen of vessels. It may involve pulmonary valve and RV and invade pulmonary parenchyma and loco–regional lymph nodes. Diagnosis is challenging, because it simulates pulmonary embolism in clinical, echocardiographic and radiological presentation. Suspicion may arise from lack of benefit from anticoagulant therapy. Nodular pulmonary infiltrates are typical. There are two surgical approaches: pneumectomy or endarterectomy (as palliation). Prognosis is poor: mean survival of 1,5 month without therapy and 10 months with pneumectomy. In addition to the progression of the disease, death can occur for obstructive shock, as in our patient.

Discrepancy of clinical, laboratory and instrumental picture in patients with pulmonary embolism

The discrepancy of echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload with the clinical picture and the level of plasma troponin concentration may underestimate the severity of the condition and lead to an inadequate choice of therapy, since all these parameters are currently determining the tactics of treatment of patients.Objective: to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary embolism with inconsistency of clinical, laboratory and instrumental picture.Material and methods. The course of the disease of 456 patients with pulmonary embolism was analyzed. 21 patients had a fatal outcome, the rest recovered. All patients underwent general clinical and biochemical blood tests, determination of the level of D-dimer and troponin, electrocardiography, echocardiography, ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities, CT angiopulmonography, analysis of the results obtained.Results. It was found that among patients with high- and moderate-risk pulmonary embolism, women more often than men have an increase in the plasma concentration of troponin levels by 2.4 times, as well as a 3-fold discrepancy in the clinical and laboratory-instrumental picture with the presence of signs of right ventricular overload according to echocardiography data, which appear in dynamics. The phenomenon of "delayed echocardiography signs of overload of the right heart" is recorded in 0.8% of all patients with pulmonary embolism. At the same time, in patients with a high risk of early pulmonary embolism – associated death, its occurrence is 2.1%, and in patients with a moderately high risk – 4.4%. When comparing the prevalence of clinical and instrumental symptoms of pulmonary embolism in these patients with the data of patients with high and moderate risks of early death from pulmonary embolism, no statistically significant differences were found, including in terms of echocardiography in dynamics. The delay of еchocardiography signs of overload of the right parts of the heart" by 12–36 hours from the clinical picture, including in patients with hemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism, can be detected only with a series of еchocardiography, which allows, if necessary, timely review scope of treatment. In patients with pulmonary embolism with a pronounced lesion of the pulmonary artery, due to the rapidly progressing course of the disease, it is possible that the еchocardiography criteria of the disease do not have time to develop. In this case, an assessment of the stroke volume may play an important role, hover this parameter is non-specific for this disease.

P724 The mysteries of sinus of Valsalva

Abstract Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are a rare pathology that can be clinically silent during years and/or become suddenly symptomatic. We described 3 cases with different clinical presentation, complications and surgical treatment. A 26-year-old male, competitive cyclist was admitted with a 1.5 month history of fatigue, palpitations, and nocturnal cough and sweating. At physical examination he was apyretic, blood pressure 157/49mmHg and radial pulse 96 bpm; jugular vein engorgement and continuous heart murmur, were noticed. Blood samples only revealed a mild raised BNP. EKG showed sinus tachycardia and right intraventricular conduction delay and the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed high velocity systolic-diastolic shunt (image) between a non-dilated right coronary sinus (RCS) and the right atrium (RA); moderate left ventricle dilation, severe right atrium and mild right ventricle enlargement with mild pulmonary hypertension and normal biventricular systolic function. He was referred to angioCT that showed a large communication between a non-dilated RCS and RA with signs of right ventricular overload. He was submitted to surgery, where ruptured aneurysm sac was found. Fistula closure, aneurysm sac suture and tricuspid annuloplasty were performed. A 45-year-old male asymptomatic, with no relevant medical background went to a Cardiology consultation after detection of a holossistolic murmur in the physical exam. EKG showed sinus rhythm arrhythmia with a nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay and the TTE revealed a communication between a dilated noncoronary sinus (NCS) and RA; the biventricular systolic function was normal. He was referred to angioCT which confirmed the diagnosis. He was submitted to surgery where an exeresis and closure of the fistula was performed. A 38-year-old male with no relevant medical background was admitted to emergence room for an intermittent anterior thoracic pain radiating to the neck (2 days of evolution). The EKG showed sinus tachycardia, incomplete right bundle branch block and the high-sensitivity troponin assays were negative. The TTE revealed severe sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, particularly of the NCS with mild aortic regurgitation. The patient performed transesophageal echocardiography and angioCT which excluded an acute aortic syndrome. He was oriented to surgery where a contained rupture of the RCS and a non-visualization of the ostium right coronary artery were detected, suggesting an intimal dissection. The patient was submitted to Bentall procedure and a bypass with internal mammary artery to right coronary artery. In spite of the unclear etiology, all the cases had a good clinical and echocardiographic evolution at follow-up. The difficulty in making a timely diagnosis is related to the variability of clinical presentation and the need of high clinical suspicion. Echocardiography and angioTC have demonstrated its value, in providing a prompt diagnosis and appropriate management guidance. Abstract P724 Figure. Ruptured aneurysm sac and fistula

Immediate and late impact of reperfusion therapies in acute pulmonary embolism.

Haemodynamic instability and right ventricular dysfunction are the key determinants of short-term prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Residual thrombi and persistent right ventricular dysfunction may contribute to post-PE functional impairment, and influence the risk of developing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Patients with haemodynamic instability at presentation (high-risk PE) require immediate primary reperfusion to relieve the obstruction in the pulmonary circulation and increase the chances of survival. Surgical removal of the thrombi or catheter-directed reperfusion strategies is alternatives in patients with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis. For haemodynamically stable patients with signs of right ventricular overload or dysfunction (intermediate-risk PE), systemic standard-dose thrombolysis is currently not recommended, because the risk of major bleeding associated with the treatment outweighs its benefits. In such cases, thrombolysis should be considered only as a rescue intervention if haemodynamic decompensation develops. Catheter-directed pharmaco-logical and pharmaco-mechanical techniques ensure swift recovery of echocardiographic and haemodynamic parameters and may be characterized by better safety profile than systemic thrombolysis. For survivors of acute PE, little is known on the effects of reperfusion therapies on the risk of chronic functional and haemodynamic impairment. In intermediate-risk PE patients, available data suggest that systemic thrombolysis may have little impact on long-term symptoms and functional limitation, echocardiographic parameters, and occurrence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Ongoing and future interventional studies will clarify whether ‘safer’ reperfusion strategies may improve early clinical outcomes without increasing the risk of bleeding and contribute to reducing the burden of long-term complications after intermediate-risk PE.

The evolution of electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a treatment option for a patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to investigate the evolution of electrocardiographic (ECG) markers of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) after BPA. Standard 12‑lead ECG was performed in 41 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension before the first BPA and after completion of treatment. In the whole study group, the percentage change in the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) after BPA correlated with the percentage change in the values of the following ECG parameters (P <0.05): axis of the QRS (rho = 0.530) and T wave (rho = 0.372); P wave in leads II (rho = 0.340) and III (rho = 0.430); S wave in lead V5 (rho = 0.634); R/S ratio in lead V5 (rho = -0.636); S wave in lead V6 (rho = 0.508); S wave in lead I (rho = 0.496). Then, the group was divided into 2 subgroups: group A, defined as a drop in PVR greater than the median value (49%) for the whole study population; and group B, defined as a drop in PVR below the median value. In group A, the following parameters changed after BPA: T‑wave axis (P <0.001), P wave in lead II (P <0.001), S wave in lead V5 (P <0.001), R/S ratio in lead V5 (P <0.001). In group B, despite some hemodynamic and functional improvement, there were no differences in ECG mark ers of RVH after BPA. An improvement in RVH parameters can be observed on ECG after a hemodynamically effective BPA.

Hemodynamic Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: The Role of Exercise Stress Echocardiography

The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) has not yet been completely clarified. The aim of this study was to conduct a noninvasive evaluation of the main hemodynamic mechanisms of exercise-induced PH in patients with LAM, assessed using exercise stress echocardiography. Fifteen patients with LAM (mean age, 47±13years; all women) without resting PH were enrolled in a prospective single-center study and compared with 15 healthy female control subjects (mean age, 45.2±8years; P=.65). A complete echocardiographic study with Doppler tissue imaging was performed at baseline and during semisupine symptom-limited exercise testing to evaluate (1) left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, (2) right ventricular contractile function, (3) estimated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, (4) estimated systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure, and (5) estimated pulmonary vascular resistance. Compared with healthy control subjects, patients with LAM during exercise showed echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload and right ventricular systolic dysfunction and significant increases in mean pulmonary artery pressure (14.4±6.5 vs 4.2±3.1mm Hg, P<.0001), pulmonary vascular resistance(+68.3±42.1 vs -0.1±18.3 dyne-sec/cm5, P<.0001), and, unexpectedly, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (+8.3±5.3 vs -0.5±1.3mm Hg, P<.0001). Exercise-induced PH in patients with LAM could be related not only to hypoxic pulmonary vascular vasoconstriction during exercise (precapillary PH) but also to a significant exercise-induced increase in estimated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, probably secondary to diastolic dysfunction (postcapillary PH).

Correlations between electrocardiogram and biomarkers in acute pulmonary embolism: Analysis of ZATPOL-2 Registry.

Electrocardiography (ECG) is still one of the first tests performed at admission, mostly in patients (pts) with chest pain or dyspnea. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between electrocardiographic abnormalities and cardiac biomarkers as well as echocardiographic parameter in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. We performed a retrospective analysis of 614 pts. (F/M 334/280; mean age of 67.9±16.6years) with confirmed acute pulmonary embolism (APE) who were enrolled to the ZATPOL-2 Registry between 2012 and 2014. Elevated cardiac biomarkers were observed in 358 pts (74.4%). In this group the presence of atrial fibrillation (p=.008), right axis deviation (p=.004), S1 Q3 T3 sign (p<.001), RBBB (p=.006), ST segment depression in leads V4 -V6 (p<.001), ST segment depression in lead I (p=.01), negative T waves in leads V1 -V3 (p<.001), negative T waves in leads V4 -V6 (p=.005), negative T waves in leads II, III and aVF (p=.005), ST segment elevation in lead aVR (p=.002), ST segment elevation in lead III (p=.0038) was significantly more frequent in comparison to subjects with normal serum level of cardiac biomarkers. In multivariate regression analysis, clinical predictors of "abnormal electrocardiogram" were as follows: increased heart rate (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17, p=.012), elevated troponin concentration (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.94-5.72, p=.000), and right ventricular overload (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.17-4.53, p=.016). Electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular strain are strongly related to elevated cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload. ECG may be used in preliminary risk stratification of patient with intermediate- or high-risk forms of APE.

Typical signs of secundum atrial septal defect in a young female

We report the case of a 25-year-female presented with dyspnea &amp; chest pain on exertion. The ECG showed signs of right ventricular overload. The chest X-ray showed an enlargement of central pulmonary arteries, pulmonary plethora and a small aortic knuckle. Atrial septal defect (ASD) was suspected and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) subsequently confirmed the presence of a large ostium secundum ASD. A surgical closure with an equine pericardium patch was performed. Two months after the surgical repair, the ECG and TTE showed the regression of signs of right ventricular overload.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(2) 2015 p.203-205

Thrombolysis in patients with pulmonary embolism and elevated heart-type fatty acid-binding protein levels

Recent studies have reported that a novel cardiac biomarker, heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP), significantly predicts mortality inpatients with pulmonary embolism (PE) at intermediate risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thrombolytic therapy on prognosis of the intermediate risk acute PE patients with elevated levels of h-FABP. This is non-interventional, prospective, and single-center cohort study where 80 patients (mean age 62 ± 17 years, 32 men) with confirmed acute PE were included. Only patients with PE at intermediate risk (echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload but without evidence for hypotension or shock) were included in the study. h-FABP and other biomarkers were measured upon admission to the emergency department. Thrombolytic (Thrl) therapy was administered at the physician's discretion. Of the included 80 patients, 24 were h-FABP positive (30%). 14 patients (58%) with positive h-FABP had clinical deterioration during the hospital course and required inotropic support and 12 of these patients died. However, of 56 patients with negative test, only 7 patients worsened or needed inotropic support and five patients died during the hospital stay. Mortality of patients with PE at intermediate risk was 21%. The 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in h-FABP(+) patients compared to h-FABP(-) patients (9 vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed h-FABP as the only 30 day mortality predictor (HR 7.81, CI 1.59-38.34, p = 0.01). However, thrl therapy did dot affect the survival of these high-risk patients. Despite, h-FABP was successful to predict 30-days mortality in patients with PE at intermediate risk; it is suggested to be failed in determining the patients who will benefit from thrl therapy.

Intracranial hemorrhage due to pulmonary thromboembolism in heparin therapy and therapeutic management of patients hospitalized with massive pulmonary embolism after discharge

A patient with a history of intracranial hemorrhage who was hospitalized due to massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was presented. A 59-year-old female patient had an intracranial hemorrhage while under anticoagulant therapy due to PTE after a knee operation. Therefore, the anticoagulant therapy was discontinued. Forty-seven days after the cessation of the anticoagulant treatment, the patient was admitted to the emergency department with a complaint of acute dyspnea and presyncope. Transthoracic echocardiography showed signs of right ventricular overload. Contrast-enhanced thorax computed tomography showed saddle-like filling defects in the level of pulmonary trunk bifurcation to the extension of both the main pulmonary arteries. The patient was admitted with a massive PTE. Fibrinolytic treatment could not be given due to the history of hemorrhagic stroke while under heparin infusion therapy. The patient dyspnea did not resolve, so pulmonary angiography and thrombus aspiration was planned. The patient's clinical status had improved after the thrombus aspiration. After the thrombus aspiration, bemiparin treatment was given via effective anti-factor Xa level. Due to lower extremity Doppler ultrasonography showing subacute-chronic thrombosis on the right popliteal vein, inferior vena cava filter was inserted. When thrombolytic therapy cannot be given to patients with a high risk bleeding, the embolectomy and/or aspiration of pulmonary thrombus may be an appropriate treatment option. In such patients, for anticoagulant therapy, unfractioned heparin with close aPTT follow-up or low molecular weight heparin therapy with antifactor Xa follow-up can be used.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

A 48-year-old woman admitted to the emerhency departments due to sudden onset of dyspnea. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) was made and thrombolytic therapy was started. Baseline ECG showed signs of right ventricular overload and after thrombolysis, short PR, wide QRS, and delta wave indicating Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern were appeared. In this case report, we discuss ECG of patient with PE mimicknig WPW.

Not too old to be closed….

Not too old to be closed….

Correlation of heart-type fatty acid–binding protein with mortality and echocardiographic data in patients with pulmonary embolism at intermediate risk

The management strategy in patients presenting with pulmonary embolism at intermediate risk still remains controversial. Our aim was to determine the role of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in this patient population. One hundred one consecutive patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism and echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload but without evidence for hypotension or shock, referred to as pulmonary embolism at intermediate risk, were included in the study. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein and other biomarkers were measured in all patients upon arrival in the emergency department. Of the included 101 patients, 14 had positive H-FABP tests. Ten patients with positive H-FABP (71%) had clinical deterioration during the hospital course and required inotropic support and 8 of these patients died. None of the 87 patients with a negative test worsened or needed inotropic support or died during hospital stay (P < .005). In the H-FABP-positive group, right ventricular function on echocardiography was more impaired (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 13 +/- 4 vs 18 +/- 4 mm, RV/LV ratio 1.1 +/- 0.2 vs 0.9 +/- 0.2, presence of paradoxical septal movement 79% vs 46%, presence of McConnell sign 100% vs 60%, respectively, all P < .05) compared to the H-FABP-negative group. After adjusting for potential confounding parameters, in multivariate analysis, H-FABP was the only independent predictor of mortality. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein significantly predicts mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism at intermediate risk. Furthermore, it is significantly associated with impaired right ventricular function and shows better correlation with mortality than troponin I. It may be a novel prognostic parameter enabling the optimization of management strategy in the very difficult population of pulmonary embolism at intermediate risk.

A New Clinical Model in Pulmonary Embolism and Its Correlation With V/P Scan Results

The study was prospectively designed to assess the correlation between a new clinical model empirically developed for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and ventilation/perfusion (V/P) scan results. One hundred sixty consecutive patients with suspected acute PE underwent clinical evaluation before V/P scintigraphy. The clinical probability of PE was categorized according to a structured clinical model empirically developed as low, intermediate, or high, and the results were compared with those of V/P scintigraphy. Forty, 61, and 59 patients were classified as low, intermediate, and high clinical probability, respectively. Seventy-five percent (30/40) of the patients with low clinical probability were also of low scintigraphic probability or had a normal result (r(s): 0.39, p=0.000); 28% (17/61) of the patients with intermediate clinical probability demonstrated intermediate scintigraphic probability (r(s): 0.20, p=0.012); and 68% (40/59) of the patients with high clinical probability were also of high scintigraphic probability (r(s): 0.43, p=0.000). Overall, the correlation of two scoring systems was statistically significant (r(s): 0.39, p=0.000). Unilateral leg swelling (p=0.027), syncope or near syncope (p=0.002), amputation of a hilar artery (p=0.007), and electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload (p=0.000) prevailed in patients with high scintigraphic probability. "Syncope-near syncope or hemodynamic collapse" PLUS "electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload or hypoxemia" combination had the most significant correlation with a high scintigraphic probability (r(s): 0.31; p=0.000). In conclusion, the new clinical model empirically developed was significantly successful to provide comparable results with V/P scan. This consistency was particularly prominent in patients with low or high clinical probability for PE.

Valor pronóstico de los niveles plasmáticos de troponina en el tromboembolismo pulmonar: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Objective. Analyze possible association between serum troponin levels and clinical evolution of patients with pulmonary thromboembolism through a systematic review of the literature. Data source. Search for original studies in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Pascal, Medion and ISI Proceedings, and review of the references of the recovered articles. Study selection. Cohort studies with information on initial levels of troponin and occurrence of hospital mortality, unfavorable clinical course, or right ventricular overload in the echocardiogram were chosen. Data extraction. Data of the odds radio (OR), sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LR), population studied, type of test used, and methodology quality of the study were obtained in duplicate. Results. A total of 13 studies, that included 1,293 patients, were identified. The studies were relatively homogeneous for each outcome and no threshold effect or signs of publication bias were detected. Elevated levels of troponin identified a subgroup of patients with high risk of: dying during hospitalization (OR 6.20; 95% CI 4.04-9.52), presenting echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload (OR 8.04; 95% CI 4.40-16.69) and having an unfavorable clinical course (OR 14.58; 95% CI 6.82-31.16). Normal levels of troponin identified a group of patients with favorable clinical course (LR 0.23; 95% CI 0.13-0.41). Conclusions. Troponin levels are useful to stratify risk in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism. In the individual patient, normal levels of troponin indicate a high likelihood of having an uncomplicated clinical course.

Flattening of the interventricular septum (D-shaped left ventricle) in addition to high right ventricular tracer uptake and increased right ventricular volume found on gated SPECT studies strongly correlates with right ventricular overload

Flattening of the interventricular septum (D-shaped left ventricle) detected during echocardiographic examination is correlated with significant right ventricular (RV) overload. There are no reports of this finding with cardiac gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. We report an observational study correlating this finding with the presence of RV overload. Retrospectively, we compared 8 cases with flattening of the interventricular septum on cardiac gated SPECT imaging for which echocardiographic correlations and clinical data were available regarding the presence of RV overload. All patients but 1 had pulmonary hypertension ranging from 42 to 52 mm Hg measured by echocardiographic Doppler studies. All patients but 1 had reasons for RV overload (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 3, history of atrial septal defect in 3, pulmonary embolism in 1, and obstructive sleep apnea in 1). Septal flattening present on gated SPECT images was seen in 50% of the cases by echocardiography. Other signs of RV overload (RV enlargement, RV hypertrophy) were observed by echocardiography in 5 patients and by the gated SPECT in 7 patients. The presence of interventricular septal flattening on gated SPECT studies correlates with RV overload and should be routinely assessed during interpretation of gated SPECT studies.

Electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload in patients who underwent pulmonary embolism event(s). Are they useful in diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension?

Diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains a major clinical problem. An attempt was made to learn whether electrocardiography has the potential to alleviate that problem. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value as well as a likelihood ratio of electrocardiogram (ECG) signs of right ventricular overload (RVO) were determined in 56 patients with chronic pulmonary embolism and a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ranging from 15 to 80 mm Hg. CPE was recognized as the only disease in 44 patients (Group A) whereas the remaining 12 CPE patients suffered from concomitant cardiac and pulmonary diseases (Group B). Thirty three (59%) of the patients were diagnosed with CTEPH (mPAP exceeding 30 mm Hg). Twelve ECG signs of RVO were identified in the entire population of patients. At least a single ECG sign of RVO was found in 72% of the patients and 7 ECG signs were found exclusively in CTEPH patients. Negative T wave in precordial V1-V5 leads, negative T wave in II, III, aVF, pulmonary P wave and right axis deviation >90% occurred with the highest incidence that was determined to be 43%, 32%, 30%, and 30% respectively. These ECG signs of RVO had positive predictive value of those signs ranged from 80 to 100% in Group A and 25 to 75% in Group B, whereas their negative predictive value ranged from 44 to 76% and from 66.5 to 87.5% respectively. It is concluded that ECG signs of RVO appear to have the potential to aid in diagnosing CTEPH in the patients who underwent acute embolic event in the past.

Accuracy of clinical assessment in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

To provide clinical diagnostic criteria for pulmonary embolism (PE), we evaluated 750 consecutive patients with suspected PE who were enrolled in the Prospective Investigative Study of Acute Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PISA-PED). Prior to perfusion lung scanning, patients were examined independently by six pulmonologists according to a standardized diagnostic protocol. Study design required pulmonary angiography in all patients with abnormal scans. Patients are reported as two distinct groups: a first group of 500, whose data were analyzed to derive a clinical diagnostic algorithm for PE, and a second group of 250 in whom the diagnostic algorithm was validated. PE was diagnosed by angiography in 202 (40%) of the 500 patients in the first group. A diagnostic algorithm was developed that includes the identification of three symptoms (sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and fainting) and their association with one or more of the following abnormalities: electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload, radiographic signs of oligemia, amputation of hilar artery, and pulmonary consolidations compatible with infarction. The above three symptoms (singly or in some combination) were associated with at least one of the above electrocardiographic and radiographic abnormalities in 164 (81%) of 202 patients with confirmed PE and in only 22 (7%) of 298 patients without PE. The rate of correct clinical classification was 88% (440/500). In the validation group of 250 patients the prevalence of PE was 42% (104/250). In this group, the sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnostic algorithm for PE were 84% (95% CI: 77 to 91%) and 95% (95% CI: 91 to 99%), respectively. The rate of correct clinical classification was 90% (225/250). Combining clinical estimates of PE, derived from the diagnostic algorithm, with independent interpretation of perfusion lung scans helps restrict the need for angiography to a minority of patients with suspected PE.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Suspected Severe Pulmonary Embolism: Transesophageal Echocardiography vs Spiral CT

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) and echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload have worse prognosis and may require aggressive therapy. Unequivocal confirmation of PE is required before thrombolysis or embolectomy. This study compares the value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and spiral CT (sCT) in direct visualization of pulmonary artery thromboemboli in patients with suspected PE and echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload. Forty-nine consecutive patients (29 men and 20 women), aged 52.2+/-18.3 years, with clinical suspicion of acute (23) or chronic (26) PE and otherwise unexplained right ventricular overload at transthoracic echocardiography underwent TEE and sCT. Main and lobar (central) pulmonary arteries were searched for emboli with both TEE and sCT, while segmental and subsegmental (distal) pulmonary arteries were searched only with sCT. Of 40 patients with PE confirmed by high-probability lung scan (27) or angiography (13), central pulmonary arterial emboli were found at TEE and sCT in 32 (80%) and 36 (90%) patients, respectively. Neither method reported false central PE (specificity, 100%). When distal pulmonary arteries were analyzed, sensitivity of sCT increased to 97.5%, but three patients with primary pulmonary hypertension according to standard tests were misclassified as having distal PE (specificity, 90.1%). Most patients had bilateral PE according to sCT (34/36) and standard tests (40/40) but not TEE (15/32), probably due to its topographic limitations. Because of high prevalence of bilateral central pulmonary thromboemboli in patients with hemodynamically significant PE, both sCT and TEE allow its definitive confirmation in most cases. Thrombi reported by sCT distally to lobar arteries should be interpreted with caution.

Primary sarcoma of pulmonary artery and valve: Multimodality treatment by chemotherapy and homograft replacement

Primary pulmonary sarcomas are extremely rare tumors. Since the first description by Mandelstamm 1 in 1923, only about 100 case reports have been published, and only a few have dealt with combined treatment of primary sarcoma. We report on a woman with a metastasizing pulmonary sarcoma of the pulmonary valve with infiltration of the pulmonary artery. After complete remission of the pulmonary metastases with polychemotherapy, the patient underwent curative resection of the tumor and insertion of a cryopreserved homograft. A 49-year-old woman was admitted because of increasing short of breath with exercise. She had pericarditis about 6 months previously. Since then, both chest and back pain occurred frequently, associated with tachycardia and dyspnea. Auscultation revealed a 3/6 systolic ejection murmur in the second left intercostal space and a markedly split second heart sound. There were signs of right ventricular overload on the electrocardiogram. The initial chest radiograph showed several bilateral pulmonary nodular lesions, confirmed by computed tomographic scan. Two-dimensional and transesophageal echocardiography revealed an enlarged right ventricle and an abnormal structure in the main and right pulmonary arteries. Right heart catheterization showed elevated right ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressures, with a ventricular-distal pulmonary artery gradient of 40 mmHg. The main and right pulmonary arteries were seen by cineangiography to be incompletely perfused. Needle biopsy was carried out for cytologic and histologic examination of the pulmonary nodular lesions, which we had suspected and later confirmed to be hemangiosarcoma. Elective resection of the right sided lung metastases was incomplete as a result of life-threatening hemodynamic instability. Histologic examination of one of these tumors revealed granulation and scar tissue without evidence of malignancy. Because of progression of right heart failure and growth of the pulmonary lesions seen on the computed tomographic scan, chemotherapy was initiated. In the subsequent 7 months, polychemotherapy (etoposide, vincristine, ifosfamide, adriamycin) was administered for six