Submassive Pulmonary Embolism Patients Research Articles

Continuous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy performs equally well in main versus branch pulmonary emboli: A subgroup analysis of the EXTRACT-PE trial.

The EXTRACT-PE trial evaluated the safety and performance of the Indigo Aspiration System (PenumbraInc.) with an 8F continuous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). This subgroup analysis evaluates performance outcomes of patients with main pulmonary artery (PA) emboli versus discrete unilateral or bilateral PA emboli without main PA involvement. The EXTRACT-PE trial was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial that enrolled 119 patients with acute submassive PE. Emboli location was collected at the time of enrollment, CT obstruction was measured and assessed by a Core Lab, and patients were grouped on whether emboli involved the main PA (with or without branch vessels) or not (branch vessels alone). Procedural device time, changes in the right ventricle to left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio, and systolic PA pressure from pre-and posttreatment were compared between the two groups. Out of the 119 patients enrolled, 118 had core lab-assessed clot locations. Forty-five(38.1%) had emboli that involved the main PA and 73 (61.9%) had only branch emboli. No significant difference was observed between these groups for 30-day mortality, procedural device time, changes in RV/LV ratio, reduction in CT Obstruction Index, or for systolic PA pressure from pre-and posttreatment. The mean absolute reduction in clot burden was significant in both groups. Continuous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy with the 8F Indigo Aspiration System was effective at improving clinical outcomes for submassive PE patients regardless of emboli location, and clot burden was significantly reduced in both groups.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety between Thrombolysis Plus Anticoagulation vs. Anticoagulation Alone for the Treatment of Acute Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis plus anticoagulant therapy vs. anticoagulant therapy alone in acute submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized clinical trials comparing thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation vs. anticoagulation alone in acute submassive PE patients from 1 Jan 1980 to 20 Jan 2021, with no drug or dose restrictions. Data on upgraded treatment of clinical deterioration, all-cause mortality, PE recurrence and bleeding events were extracted and analyzed using Revman 5.3 software. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 1871 patients were included in the study after screening. In terms of efficacy, thrombolysis combined with anticoagulant therapy reduced the need for upgrading treatment (3.6 vs. 10.9%, risk ratio (RR) 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24- 0.54, p<0.00001) and PE recurrence (0.8 vs. 2.9%, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16-0.69, p=0.003) in patients with acute submassive PE. Compared with anticoagulant therapy alone, the concomitant use of thrombolysis was associated with lower all-cause mortality (1.3 vs. 3.0%, RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.87, p=0.02), but it increased minor bleeding rate (31.4 vs. 8.4%, RR 3.71, 95% CI 2.82-4.88, p<0.0001) and major bleeding rate (8.8 vs. 2.6%, RR 3.35, 95%CI 2.03-5.54, p<0.0001). The use of thrombolysis plus anticoagulant therapy in acute submassive PE was negatively associated with patients requiring escalation of treatment, PE recurrence, and all-cause mortality, but it was positively associated with bleeding.

Abstract No. 279 Serial transthoracic echocardiography for clinical assessment of submassive pulmonary embolism

Limited data currently guide the evaluation and clinical management of patients with submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). Due to the heterogeneity of the submassive PE population, prospective identification of patients who require escalation in treatment is challenging. This investigation evaluates the correlation of serial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to clinical outcomes for submassive PE patients.

Safety and Effectiveness of Lower Alteplase Dose Driven by Impending Clinical Deterioration Factors in very Elderly Submassive Pulmonary Embolism Patients. Case Series

Although thrombolysis improves the outcome and mortality in submassive (SM) and massive PE, its role is controversial because of the high rate of intracranial hemorrhage. In addition, safety and efficacy are unclear since randomized controlled studies have excluded very elderly patients because of frailty, multiple comorbidities, and a higher risk of bleeding. Therefore, the best thrombolytic regimen is unknown. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the decision-making for thrombolysis is performed according to the guidelines or based on clinical risk factors associated with poor outcomes. We report three very elderly SMPE associated with several impending clinical deterioration factors (ICDF) (in-transit thrombus, saddle thrombus, etc.). Therefore, we decided on 25 mg alteplase in one- or two-hour continuous infusion based on ICDF rather than clinical instability and systolic hypotension. In addition, we initiate DOACs around 48 hours after stopping unfractionated heparin (UFH). As a result, all patients improve right ventricular performance without bleeding complications. Our results suggest that the lower alteplase dose in one- or two-hour continuous infusion, followed by weight-adjusted UFH, was effective and safe, involving a complicated scenario as an intransit thrombus. Also, DOACs standard doses driven by the patient´s characteristics were unrelated to bleeding complications avoiding recurrence in very elderly SMPE.

Clinical factors associated with adverse outcomes in the acute period of management of submassive pulmonary embolism.

The majority of patients with intermediate-to-severe submassive pulmonary embolism are hemodynamically stable upon presentation. There is a lack of evidence for the clinical relevance and safety of initially employed therapies in this population. The objective of current analysis was to determine predictors associated with adverse outcomes in submassive pulmonary embolism patients. This was a single-center, retrospective chart review identifying patient characteristics and clinical factors associated with adverse outcomes within the management of patients presenting to the emergency department for submassive pulmonary embolism. A total of 122 admissions for submassive pulmonary embolism were included. Among these patients, 41% (n = 50) of admissions had an adverse outcomes. Fluid volume was associated with adverse events in an incremental manner (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval, 1.4-3.2). These findings demonstrate a significant incidence of adverse events in patients with submassive pulmonary embolism and an incremental increase in likelihood of adverse events with each liter of fluid.

Clinical outcomes of acute pulmonary embolectomy as the first-line treatment for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism: a single-centre study in China

BackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most critical cardiovascular diseases. PE treatment ranges from anticoagulation, and systemic thrombolysis to surgical embolectomy and catheter embolectomy. Surgical pulmonary embolectmy (SPE) indications and outcomes are still controversial. Although there have been more favourable SPE reports over the past decades, SPE has not yet been considered broadly as an initial PE therapy and is still considered as a reserve or rescue treatment for acute massive PE when systemic thrombolysis fails. This study aimed to evaluate the early and midterm outcomes of SPE, which was a first-line therapy for acute central major PE in one Chinese single centre.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent SPE for acute PE was conducted.Patients with chronic thrombus or who underwent thromboendarterectomy were excluded. SPE risk factors for morbidity and mortality were reviewed, and echocardiographic examination were conducted for follow-up studies to access right ventricular function.ResultsOverall, 41 patients were included; 17 (41.5%) had submassive PE, and 24 (58.5%) had massive PE. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 103.2 ± 48.9 min, and 10 patients (24.4%) underwent procedures without aortic cross-clamping. Ventilatory support time was 78 h (range, 40–336 h), intensive care unit stay was 7 days (range, 3–13 days), and hospital stay was 16 days (range, 12–23 days). Operative mortalities occurred in 3 massive PE patients, and no mortality occurred in submassive PE patients. The overall SPE mortality rate was 7.31% (3/41). If two systemic thrombolysis cases were excluded, SPE mortality was low (2.56%,1/39), evenlthough there were 2 cases of cardiac arrest preoperatively. Patients’ right ventricle function improved postoperatively in follow-ups.There were no deaths related to recurrent PE and chronic pulmonary hypertension in follow-ups, though 3 patients died of cerebral intracranial bleeding, gastric cancer,and brain cancer at 1 year, 3 years, and 8 years postoperatively, respectively.ConclusionsSPE presented with a low mortality rate when rendered as a first-line treatment in selected massive and submassive acute PE patients. Favorable outcomes of right ventricle function were also observed in the follow-ups. SPE should play the same role as ST in algorithmic acute PE treatment.

Protocolized use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and echocardiography is highly effective in reversing acute right heart dysfunction in severe submassive pulmonary embolism patients.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of protocolized use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and echocardiography in submassive pulmonary embolism patients. A retrospective study at a single institution of 28 patients that presented with submassive pulmonary embolism from July 2016 to September 2019 was performed. All patients were diagnosed using chest computed tomography demonstrating a pulmonary embolism and abnormal right ventricular to left ventricular ratio. Patients with severe right heart dysfunction (right ventricular to left ventricular ratio ⩾1.4) were protocolized to receive catheter-directed thrombolysis via EkoSonic catheters (EKOS Corporation, Bothell, WA, United States). Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed after 24 hours to assess right ventricular function and determine the need to continue thrombolysis. Patients after discharge then received follow-up echocardiograms at 6 weeks to determine new post-treatment baseline. The mean patient age was 54.6 years, mean body mass index was 35.0, and mean right ventricular to left ventricular ratio on admission computed tomography imaging was 1.70. Interval mean right ventricular to left ventricular ratio on echocardiography during thrombolysis therapy was 1.01 (p < 0.00001). Patients were tachycardic on admission (mean heart rate 102.2 beats per minute) with improvement by completion of thrombolysis (mean heart rate 72.9 beats per minute) (p < 0.00001). There was a 0% incidence of periprocedural complications. Overall 30-day complication rate was 7.1% (n = 1 arrhythmia, n = 1 delayed intracranial hemorrhage). At 6-week follow-up, 91% of the patients who received echocardiography had normal right ventricular function. This retrospective study demonstrates the effectiveness of protocolized use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and echocardiography in reversing severe right heart dysfunction in submassive pulmonary embolism patients.

Incremental Value of ePLAR-The Echocardiographic Pulmonary to Left Atrial Ratio in the Assessment of Sub-Massive Pulmonary Emboli.

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is characterized hemodynamically by abrupt obstruction in trans-pulmonary blood flow. The echocardiographic Pulmonary to Left Atrial ratio (ePLAR, tricuspid regurgitation Vmax/mitral E/e’) has been validated as a non-invasive surrogate for trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG) that accurately differentiates pre-capillary from post-capillary chronic pulmonary hypertension. This study assessed ePLAR as an incremental echocardiographic assessment tool compared with traditional measures of right ventricular pressure and function. Methods: In total, 110 (57.4 ± 17.6 years) patients with confirmed sub-massive pulmonary emboli with contemporaneous echocardiograms (0.3 ± 0.9 days) were compared with 110 age-matched controls (AMC). Results: Tricuspid velocities were higher than AMC (2.6 ± 0.6 m/s vs. 2.4 ± 0.3 m/s, p < 0.05), although still consistent with “normal” right ventricular systolic pressures (34.2 ± 13.5 mmHg vs. 25 ± 5.3 mmHg, p < 0.05) with lower mitral E/e’ values (8.2 ± 3.8 vs. 10.8 ± 5.1, p < 0.05). ePLAR values were higher than AMC (0.36 ± 0.14 m/s vs. 0.26 ± 0.10, p < 0.05) suggesting significantly elevated TPG. Detection of abnormal echocardiographic findings increased from 29% (TRVmax ≥ 2.9 m/s) and 32% (reduced tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) to 70% with ePLAR ≥ 0.3 m/s. Conclusions: Raised ePLAR values in acute sub-massive pulmonary embolism suggest elevated trans-pulmonary gradients even in the absence of acutely increased pulmonary artery pressures. ePLAR dramatically increases the sensitivity of echocardiography for detection of hemodynamic perturbations in sub-massive pulmonary embolism patients, which may offer clinical utility in diagnosis and management.

Outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis vs. standard medical therapy in patients with acute submassive pulmonary embolism.

BackgroundCatheter-directed thrombolysis (CDL) is increasingly being used for the treatment of submassive and massive pulmonary embolism. Although this therapy has been shown to be effective at reducing right ventricle strain, the impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. We therefore aimed to evaluate the outcomes of CDL compared to standard anticoagulation for submassive pulmonary embolism patients in a large cohort.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of submassive pulmonary embolism admitted to an intensive care unit within our health system between June 2014 and April 2016. We compared the outcome of patients treated with systemic anticoagulation (medical therapy) vs. catheter-based delivery of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (CDL). CDL patients were matched with medical therapy controls using a propensity-score matching algorithm based on the components of the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score.ResultsUnadjusted mortality rates were 3.0% for CDL vs. 10.4% for medical therapy at 30 days and 8.1% for CDL vs. 22.9% for medical therapy at 1 year. In the propensity-score matched cohort, mortality rates were 3.1% for CDL vs. 6.1% for medical therapy at 30 days and 8.2% for CDL vs. 18.2% for medical therapy at 1 year. Length of stay was significantly shorter in the CDL group. The index admission bleeding and transfusion rates were not increased in the CDL group.ConclusionsIn patients presenting with acute submassive pulmonary embolism who are admitted to an intensive care unit, the group treated with CDL experienced reduced mortality at 30 days and 1 year when compared to medical therapy without increase in bleeding. Further randomized studies are required to confirm these findings.

PROTOCOLIZED USE OF CATHETER-DIRECTED THROMBOLYSIS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN REVERSING ACUTE RIGHT HEART DYSFUNCTION IN SEVERE SUBMASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLISM PATIENTS

SESSION TITLE: Monday Abstract Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/21/2019 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of protocolized use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and echocardiography in submassive pulmonary embolism patients presenting with severe right heart dysfunction. METHODS: A retrospective study at a single academic institution of 23 patients that presented with submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) from July 2016 to April 2018 was performed. All patients were diagnosed using chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrating clot in the pulmonary vasculature as well as right ventricle dysfunction based on abnormal right ventricle to left ventricle (RV/LV ratio). Patients with severe right heart dysfunction (RV/LV≥ ratio 1.4) were protocolized to receive catheter directed thrombolysis via EkoSonic catheters (EKOS Corporation, Bothell, WA) in the pulmonary vasculature for thrombolysis with Alteplase (tPA) at 1 mg per hour total. Transthoracic Echocardiography was then performed the following day to assess right ventricle function and determine the need to continue thrombolysis. Patients after discharge then received follow up echocardiograms at 6 weeks to determine new post-treatment baseline. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 54.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 35.3. Mean RV/LV ratio on admission CT imaging was 1.68, with a mean troponin of 0.35. Interval mean RV/LV ratio on echocardiography during thrombolysis therapy was 1.00 (P<.00001). Patients were tachycardic on admission (mean heart rate 102 beats per minute (BPM) with improvement by completion of thrombolysis (mean heart rate 74 BPM) (P<.00001). Twelve of 23 patients (52%) had thrombolysis terminated at 24 hours interval based on echocardiography findings, with the remainder receiving 24 additional hours of therapy. There was a 0% incidence of peri-procedural complications. Overall 30-day complication rate was 8.7% (N=1 arrythmia, N=1 delayed intracranial hemorrhage). At 6-week follow up, 89% of patients who received echocardiography had normal right ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study demonstrates the effectiveness of protocolized use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and echocardiography in reversing severe right heart dysfunction in submassive pulmonary embolism patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Protocolized use of Echocardiography with catheter-directed thrombolysis is effective at reversing severe right heart dysfunction in submissive pulmonary embolism patients without requiring repeat imaging studies or invasive follow up procedures. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Jaideep Das Gupta, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sundeep Guliani, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by John Marek, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jon Marinaro, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Mohammed Rana, source=Web Response

Low-dose systemic thrombolytic therapy for treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism: Clinical efficacy but attendant hemorrhagic risks.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of "low-dose" systemic thrombolytic therapy (TT) for treatment of patients with intermediate-high risk submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). TT is increasingly utilized in acute submassive PE. Strategies for TT include catheter-directed administration as well as traditional IV systemic therapy. Regardless of the route, most studies document the attendant significant bleeding complication rates expected from induction of a systemic lytic state. To mitigate bleeding, "low-dose" systemic TT (Alteplase 50 mg) has been advocated, based on recent studies which demonstrated clinical efficacy with elimination of any significant bleeding complications. Over a 24-month period, our institutional PE Response Team treated 45 acute submassive PE patients with "Low Dose" IV Alteplase 50 mg. Clinical outcomes and bleeding complications were assessed. Overall clinical outcome was excellent, with 97.8% of patients surviving to discharge and a 30-day, all-cause mortality of 4.4%. Despite no patients having a HAS-BLED score > 2 (average score = 0.8 +/-), ISTH major and GUSTO moderate bleeding was observed in 11% (n = 5) of cases. The present observations document that low-dose systemic TT is associated with excellent clinical outcome for intermediate-high risk submassive PE, but with attendant risk for bleeding. These findings are consistent with the concept that induction of a therapeutic lytic state carries inextricable bleeding risk.

Value of thrombolytic therapy for submassive pulmonary embolism patients

Background and aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess the value of streptokinase in patients with submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) due to unavailability of tissue plasminogen activator in our locality due to limited income sources. Patients and methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on a total number of 52 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of submassive PE confirmed by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography were further investigated by echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers after ethical approval from the IRB and confirmed written consent from the patients or first-degree relative. The study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2017, at the Chest Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, and the Cardiology Department, Specialized Internal Medicine Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University. Results Fifty-two patients who were diagnosed as having submassive PE were enrolled; 24 patients were randomized to the thrombolytic group (TG) and 28 to the anticoagulant group (AG) by simple randomization through opening a closed envelope. The two groups were compared as regards demographic data, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), presence of comorbidities (diabetes mellitus) and presence of malignancy or concomitant deep venous thrombosis as risk factors, and the incidence of unprovoked PE without any statistically significant results.The PASP measured 72 h after therapy in the TG was improved with statistically significant difference when compared with that measured before starting therapy (P Conclusion Thrombolytic therapy should be considered over anticoagulation as first-line management in submassive PE causing right ventricular dysfunction without hypotension. Clinical implications Early identification of submassive PE and start of thrombolytic therapy after exclusion of bleeding risk in the patient for thrombolysis can improve outcome and decrease hospital stay.

Contemporary Management and Outcomes of Patients with Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

BackgroundFew contemporary studies have assessed the management and outcomes of patients with massive and submassive pulmonary embolism. Given advances in therapy, we report contemporary practice patterns and event rates among these patients. MethodsWe analyzed a prospective database of patients with massive and submassive pulmonary embolism. We report clinical characteristics, therapies, and outcomes stratified by pulmonary embolism type. Treatment escalation beyond systemic anticoagulation was defined as advanced therapy. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify predictors of 90-day mortality. ResultsAmong 338 patients, 46 (13.6%) presented with massive and 292 (86.4%) with submassive pulmonary embolism. The average age was 63 ± 15 years, 49.9% were female, 32.0% had malignancy, and 21.9% had recent surgery. Massive pulmonary embolism patients received advanced therapy in 71.7% (30.4% systemic thrombolysis, 17.4% catheter-directed thrombolysis, 15.2% surgical embolectomy) and had greater 90-day mortality rates compared with submassive pulmonary embolism patients (41.3% vs 12.3%, respectively; P < .01). Most massive pulmonary embolism deaths (78.9%) occurred in-hospital, whereas mortality risk persisted after discharge for submassive pulmonary embolism. After multivariable adjustment, massive pulmonary embolism was associated with a 5.23-fold greater hazard of mortality (95% confidence interval, 2.70-10.13; P < .01). Advanced therapies among all pulmonary embolism patients were associated with a 61% reduction in mortality (95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.76; P < .01). ConclusionsAmong contemporary massive and submassive pulmonary embolism patients, mortality remains substantial. Advanced therapies were frequently utilized and independently associated with lower mortality. Further investigation is needed to determine how to improve outcomes among these high-risk patients, including the optimal use of advanced therapies.

Surgical pulmonary embolectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis for treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) with preserved hemodynamics but right ventricular dysfunction, classified as submassive PE, carries a high risk of mortality. We report the results for patients who did not qualify for medical therapy and required treatment of submassive PE with surgical pulmonary embolectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Between October 1999 and May 2015, 133 submassive PE patients underwent treatment with pulmonary embolectomy (71) and CDT (62). A multidisciplinary PE response team helped to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy on a case-by-case basis. The EkoSonic ultrasound-facilitated thrombolysis system (EKOS) was used for CDT, which was introduced in 2010. The mean age of submassive PE patients was 57.3 years, which included 36.8% females. PE risk factors included previous deep venous thrombosis (46.6%), immobility (36.1%), recent surgery (30.8%), and cancer (22.6%), P < 0.05. The most common indication for advanced treatment was right ventricular strain (42.9%), P = 0.03. The frequency of surgical pulmonary embolectomy remained stable even after incorporating the EKOS procedure into our treatment algorithm, with statistically similar operative mortality. Bleeding was observed in six CDT patients and one pulmonary embolectomy patient (P < 0.05). Follow-up echocardiography was available for 61% of the overall cohort, of whom 76.5% had no residual moderate or severe right ventricular dysfunction. Pulmonary embolectomy and CDT are important contemporary advanced treatment options for selected high-risk patients with submassive PE, who do not qualify for medical therapy.

4:21 PM Abstract No. 230 Length of hospital stay in submassive pulmonary embolism patients who underwent ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis

4:21 PM Abstract No. 230 Length of hospital stay in submassive pulmonary embolism patients who underwent ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis

Diuretics versus volume expansion in acute submassive pulmonary embolism

The benefit of volume expansion (VE) in submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is unclear. To compare the effects of diuretic treatment versus VE in patients hospitalized for PE with RV dysfunction. We prospectively included 46consecutive patients with submassive PE treated on admission with a 40mg bolus of furosemide (D group, n=24) or 500mL of saline infusion (VE group, n=22). The primary endpoint was the timing of normalization of B-type natriuretic peptide and troponinIc concentrations. The secondary endpoints were variations in RV function variables, recorded at baseline, at the 4thhour after treatment initiation (H4) and every day until discharge, and a clinical composite endpoint of thrombolysis or death at 7 and 30days. No differences were observed between patients at baseline. The primary endpoint occurred earlier in the D group than in the VE group (67.5±34.8 vs 111.6±63.3hours; P=0.006). Furosemide treatment on admission was well tolerated, and was not associated with serious adverse events. At H4, substantial improvements were observed in the D group versus the VE group in terms of heart rate reduction (-8.15±21.0 vs -0.71±6.30 beats/min; P<0.01) and peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity (Doppler tissue imaging) (11.4±2.10 vs 9.90±2.80cm/s; P=0.02). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of severe outcomes at 7 and 30days. In the acute management of submassive PE patients, a single furosemide bolus on admission seems to produce significant and earlier improvements in RV function markers compared with VE, without adverse events.

Non-Invasive Imaging of Lung Remodeling and Right Ventricle Metabolic Shift in an Animal Model of Pulmonary Hypertension

Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) is a significant cause of mortality and, with submassive pulmonary embolism (SPE), is associated with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, resulting in ongoing patient morbidity. Standard treatment is anticoagulation, although systemic thrombolytic therapy has been shown to reduce early mortality in patients with MPE and improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in patients with SPE. However, systemic lysis is associated with significant bleeding risk. Early reports of catheter-directed techniques (CDT) suggest favorable outcomes in patients with MPE and SPE with reduced risk of hemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety outcomes in MPE and SPE patients treated with CDT.Seventeen patients treated with CDT for MPE and SPE were clinically and hemodynamically evaluated. Patients were grouped by severity of pulmonary embolism: MPE (n = 5) or SPE (n = 12). Pre- and post-interventional measures were assessed, including pulmonary artery pressures (PAPs), cardiac biomarkers, tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular (RV) dilatation, and systolic function. Nine patients had contraindications to systemic thrombolytic therapy.PAP was elevated in 94% at presentation. The average dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was 31 mg; 44 mg in MPE and 26 mg in SPE. Pre- and post-intervention PAPs were recorded in 13 patients. All demonstrated an acute reduction in posttreatment PAP, averaging 37%. At presentation, all MPE and 10 (83%) SPE patients showed both RV dilatation and reduced function on echocardiography, which normalized in 76% (13/17) and improved in 24% (4/17) after CDT. Patients who demonstrated left ventricle underfilling before CDT (2 [40%] MPE and 2 [20%] SPE) normalized after CDT. All MPE and 11 (92%) SPE patients had tricuspid regurgitation on echocardiography pretreatment, which resolved in 60% and 58% of MPE and SPE patients, respectively. One delayed mortality occurred in an MPE patient who was hypotensive and hypoxic at presentation. There was one puncture site bleed.CDT was successful in the acute management of patients with MPE and SPE. CDT rapidly restores cardiopulmonary hemodynamics using reduced doses of rt-PA. These observations suggest that CDT should be considered in MPE and SPE patients to rapidly restore cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, reduce acute morbidity and mortality, reduce bleeding complications, and potentially avoid long-term morbidity.

Changes in Lipid Metabolism and Extension of Venous Thromboembolism

Background/Aims: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common diseases with a vast number of acquired and congenital risk factors. Disorders of the lipid metabolism are not established risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) so far. However, in recent literature, associations between VTE and the metabolic syndrome, especially with elevated lipid parameters, have been described. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between the extension of VTE and changes in the lipid profile. Methods: We included 178 VTE patients in our study; 59 patients had isolated PE, 39 patients had isolated DVT of the leg and 80 patients had both (DVT and PE). Concerning PE, we distinguished between massive and submassive PE. We evaluated plasma lipids and lipoproteins in PE and DVT patients as well as in massive and submassive PE patients. Results: PE patients had higher levels of plasma triglycerides [median (interquartile range): 162 (109-254) vs. 136.5 (96.5-162) mg/dl, p = 0.047] and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 52.1 ± 17.2 vs. 63.9 ± 22.7 mg/dl, p = 0.004) than DVT patients. Furthermore, PE patients were significantly older than DVT patients (59.6 ± 16.9 vs. 52.2 ± 15.5 years, p = 0.02). We were not able to find differences in lipid parameters in patients with massive PE compared to those with submassive PE. However, patients with massive PE were more obese than patients with submassive PE (body mass index 29.1 ± 4.6 vs. 26.9 ± 4.9, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Lipid parameters and lipoproteins differ between DVT and PE patients. PE patients had higher triglyceride and lower HDL-C levels compared with DVT patients.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolytic Intervention Is Effective for Patients with Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) is a significant cause of mortality and, with submassive pulmonary embolism (SPE), is associated with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, resulting in ongoing patient morbidity. Standard treatment is anticoagulation, although systemic thrombolytic therapy has been shown to reduce early mortality in patients with MPE and improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in patients with SPE. However, systemic lysis is associated with significant bleeding risk. Early reports of catheter-directed techniques (CDT) suggest favorable outcomes in patients with MPE and SPE with reduced risk of hemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety outcomes in MPE and SPE patients treated with CDT. Seventeen patients treated with CDT for MPE and SPE were clinically and hemodynamically evaluated. Patients were grouped by severity of pulmonary embolism: MPE (n=5) or SPE (n=12). Pre- and post-interventional measures were assessed, including pulmonary artery pressures (PAPs), cardiac biomarkers, tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular (RV) dilatation, and systolic function. Nine patients had contraindications to systemic thrombolytic therapy. PAP was elevated in 94% at presentation. The average dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was 31mg; 44mg in MPE and 26mg in SPE. Pre- and post-intervention PAPs were recorded in 13 patients. All demonstrated an acute reduction in posttreatment PAP, averaging 37%. At presentation, all MPE and 10 (83%) SPE patients showed both RV dilatation and reduced function on echocardiography, which normalized in 76% (13/17) and improved in 24% (4/17) after CDT. Patients who demonstrated left ventricle underfilling before CDT (2 [40%] MPE and 2 [20%] SPE) normalized after CDT. All MPE and 11 (92%) SPE patients had tricuspid regurgitation on echocardiography pretreatment, which resolved in 60% and 58% of MPE and SPE patients, respectively. One delayed mortality occurred in an MPE patient who was hypotensive and hypoxic at presentation. There was one puncture site bleed. CDT was successful in the acute management of patients with MPE and SPE. CDT rapidly restores cardiopulmonary hemodynamics using reduced doses of rt-PA. These observations suggest that CDT should be considered in MPE and SPE patients to rapidly restore cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, reduce acute morbidity and mortality, reduce bleeding complications, and potentially avoid long-term morbidity.

Can platelet indices predict obstruction level of pulmonary vascular bed in patients with acute pulmonary embolism?

Computed tomography pulmonary arterial obstruction index ratio (CTPAOIR) is related with the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE). Platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) are reported to be increased in acute PE. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between CTPAOIR and platelet indices and the utility of these parameters in the determination of PE severity. We retrospectively analysed the demographic data, clinical probability scores, laboratory data and echocardiographic findings of 63 acute PE patients who were diagnosed by pulmonary arterial computed tomography angiography. The hospital records of 38 (60.3%) male and 25 (39.7%) female patients with acute PE and 29 (58%) male and 21 (42%) female healthy control were evaluated (P = 0.803). The mean value of MPV, PDW levels, platelet counts and red cell distribution width levels were higher in PE groups than in control subjects (P < 0.05). Massive PE was present in 33.3% of PE patients. There were statistically significant differences in terms of hospital length of stay (HLS), mean value of MPV, CTPAOIR and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) in addition to systolic arterial pressure between massive and submassive PE patients (P < 0.05 for all). CTPAOIR was positively correlated with HLS, clinical probability scores, D-Dimer level, MPV, PDW levels and sPAP. Platelet indices, MPV and PDW, can be used for the determination of disease severity, and lead to therapeutic strategies for PE patients.