Submassive Pulmonary Embolism Research Articles

Abstract 4137138: Incidence and Risk factors of Early Mortality in Symptomatic Acute PE: Recent Insights from the COMMAND VTE Registry-2

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a major health burden with substantial morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade, the acute phase management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has undergone considerable change. These includes a decline in the use of thrombolytic therapy and inferior vena cava filter, the widespread adoption of direct oral anticoagulant (DAOCs), and the increase in early discharge and initial outpatient treatment facilitated by DOACs. Given these advancements, it is crucial to reassess early mortality risk factors in patients with PE. Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the mortality and prognostic factors for 30-day early mortality in patients with acute symptomatic PE in recent years. Methods: We utilized the data from the COMMAND VTE Registry-2, a multicenter registry, enrolling 5197 consecutive VTE patients across 31 centers in Japan between January 2015 and August 2020. We selected 2020 patients who presented with acute symptomatic PE. We investigated prognostic factors for early mortality in acute symptomatic PE using the multivariable hazard model. Results: In the entire study population, the mean age was 67.3±15.2 years, with 59.3% of patients being women. Active cancer was reported in 26.2%. Massive PE was observed in 7.3% (n=147), sub-massive PE in 42.6% (n=860), and non-massive PE in 44.2% (n=892). During follow-up period of 30 days, 114 patients had died, resulting in the cumulative overall mortality rate of 5.6%. Death was considered to be due to PE in 54 patients (47.4% of deaths). Patients who died within 30-days were more often male and older than those in the survivor group (44.2% vs. 59.9%, P=0.0396) (70.1±15.6 vs. 67.1±15.2, P=0.0368). Multivariable analysis identified active cancer (HR 3.01 [95%CI 2.00-4.53]), hypotension (HR 2.91 [95% CI 1.92-4.40]), tachycardia (HR 2.17 [95%CI 1.42-3.30]), hypoxemia (HR 1.97 [95%CI 1.15-3.37]), leucocytes (<4000, 12000<) (HR 1.80 [95%CI 1.22-2.68]) and age (≥ 80 years) (HR 1.69 [95%CI 1.10-2.58]) were independent prognostic factors for early mortality in acute symptomatic PE. Conclusions: In this large VTE registry from recent years, several independent prognostic factors for 30-day early mortality in acute symptomatic PE were identified, consisting of active cancer, hypotension, tachycardia, hypoxemia, leucocytes (<4000, 12000<) and age (≥ 80 years).

Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy in management of pulmonary embolism

BackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism is recorded as one of the most common and critical medical conditions, resulting in a notable mortality rate requiring a multidisciplinary management. In this series, we address the management of massive and sub-massive pulmonary embolism utilizing catheter-based intervention, in particular the conjunction of mechanical thrombus disruption and aspiration with pharmacological thrombolysis (pharmacomechanical thrombectomy).Results37 patients were diagnosed with massive and sub-massive pulmonary embolism based on the clinical and radiological findings. Pre-procedural vital parameters were obtained, including oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure. Under continuous monitoring and conscious sedation, a pulmonary angiography via right common femoral vein access was performed for pre-procedural assessment. Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy was performed using the AngioJet Ultra System (Boston Scientific). Using the power pulse option, a fibrinolytic agent was infused into the thrombus. After 5–10 min, mechanical thrombectomy is performed with a maximum 3 passes through the thrombus. This technique is performed in the main pulmonary artery and lower branch. The procedure is repeated on the other side. The maximum duration of thrombectomy is 2–3 min on each side. Procedure success was based on improvement of vital signs and not related to post-procedure angiographic findings. All patients showed immediate improvement of vital signs (blood pressure, 02 saturation, and pulse rate) with progressive improvement over the following days. There were no procedure-related complications.ConclusionPharmacomechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism. It can be a first-line treatment even in patients without absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolysis.

Comprehensive evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Objective. To study indices of right ventricular (RV) longitudinal deformation at transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE), to determine their threshold values; to study indices of right ventricular-arterial coupling (RVAC) in patients with APE, to determine their threshold values.Methods. We examined 34 patients with acute massive and submassive pulmonary embolism. The diagnosis was made on the basis of computed-tomography pulmonary angiogram. The mean age was 61 ±13 years. Of these, 16 were women (47,1%) and 18 were men (52,9%). As a control group, 30 healthy individuals were examined: 14 males and 16 females. The mean age of the healthy individuals was 39±9,8 years. Echocardiography was performed on Vivid E95 (GE HealthCare, USA) with data postprocessing on EchoPak workstation. The indices of right ventricular (RV) systolic and diastolic function, the magnitude of global longitudinal deformation of the right ventricle (GLS RV) and longitudinal deformation of the right ventricular free wall (RVFWLS) were studied using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. We studied indices of right ventricular-arterial coupling (RVAC). We determined the relationship of longitudinal deformation of RV and RVAC with other indices of its systolic function. Results. Mean values of traditional parameters of RV contractile function were within normal limits, whereas mean values of longitudinal strain in APE were significantly lower than normal. There was also a significant decrease ( P < 0,0001) of all measured parameters of right ventricular-arterial coupling in patients with APE in comparison with the control group.Conclusions. When longitudinal deformation parameters are included in the criteria of RV dysfunction in APE, its detectability increases from 26,47% to 61,77%. The revealed decrease of right ventricular-arterial coupling parameters in APE indicates a more frequent disturbance of the connection between RV and the small circle of blood circulation

Perioperative Management and Outcomes after Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Submassive (Intermediate-Risk) Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) embodies a large healthcare burden globally and is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Submassive (intermediate-risk) PE accounts for 40% of this burden. However, the optimal treatment pathway for this population remains complex and ill-defined. Catheter-directed interventions (CDIs) have shown promise in directly impacting morbidity and mortality while demonstrating a favorable success rate, safety profile, and decreased length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit and hospital. This retrospective review included 22 patients (50% female) with submassive PE who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT). A total of 45% had a contraindication to thrombolytics, the mean pulmonary embolism severity index was 127, 36% had saddle PE, the average decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was 7.2 mmHg following MT, the average LOS was 6.9 days, the 30-day mortality rate was 9%, the major adverse event (MAE) rate was 9%, and the readmission rate was 13.6%. A total of 82% had successful removal of thrombus during MT with no major bleeding complications, intracranial hemorrhage events, or device-related deaths. Acknowledging the limitation of our small sample size, our data indicate that MT in the intermediate-high-risk submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) cohort resulted in a decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality compared to standard anticoagulation therapy alone.

Perioperative and intermediate outcomes of patients with pulmonary embolism undergoing catheter-directed thrombolysis vs percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy

ObjectiveThrombolytic therapy has been a mainstay of treatment for massive or submassive pulmonary embolism (PE), a common and highly morbid pathology. New percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) devices have recently become widely available and have been used increasingly for the treatment of acute PE, but evidence demonstrating its efficacy over standard catheter-directed lytic protocol remains limited. MethodsUsing TriNetX Data Network, a global federated database of >250 million patients, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients from January 2017 to August 2023 with a diagnosis of PE, treated with either PMT or catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Eligible patients were 1:1 propensity score-matched for preoperative covariates including demographics and comorbidities. We calculated and compared the 30-day outcomes of all-cause mortality, bleeding complications (blood transfusion, gastrointestinal bleed, and intracranial hemorrhage), diagnosis of acute respiratory failure (RF), myocardial infarction (MI), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Also, the 5-year outcomes of all-cause mortality, a composite outcome of chronic PH (chronic PE, chronic cor pulmonale, chronic thromboembolic PH), right heart failure (RHF), RF, and emergency department visits, were compared using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs. ResultsWe identified 2978 patients treated with PMT and 1137 patients treated with CDT. After matching, we compared 1102 patients in each cohort. For 30-day outcomes, all-cause mortality, acute RF, and blood transfusion were similar between the two groups. However, compared with CDT, PMT was associated with a better safety profile, including lower bleeding risk for both ICH (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.890) and gastrointestinal bleed (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.63). PMT also demonstrated better immediate functional outcomes, with less PH (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41-0.68) and MI (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.76). At 5 years, the all-cause mortality and RF for both procedures were similar, but PMT was associated with lower rates of chronic PH (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55-0.90), RHF (HR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37-0.65), and emergency department visits (348 for PMT vs 426 for CDT; P < .01). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing catheter-based therapy for PE, PMT has an improved procedural safety profile vs CDT and results in significantly fewer 30-day postoperative complications, with fewer bleeding events, and is also associated with fewer periprocedural MIs and less acute PH. Perhaps, more important, PMT also demonstrated improved long-term outcomes with significantly fewer chronic PH and RHF diagnoses with fewer emergency department visits.

The Outcomes of Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy for Pulmonary Embolism: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy, short- and long-term cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortalities and postoperative morbidities of surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) for patients with massive or submassive pulmonary embolism. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify articles reporting SPE for pulmonary embolism. The outcomes included in-hospital and long-term mortality in addition to postoperative morbidities. The random effect inverse variance method was used. Cumulative meta-analysis, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed. Results: Among the 1949 searched studies in our systematic literature search, 78 studies met our inclusion criteria, including 6859 cases. The mean age ranged from 42 to 65 years. The percentage of males ranged from 25.6% to 86.7%. The median rate of preoperative cardiac arrest was 27.6%. The percentage of contraindications to preoperative systemic thrombolysis was 30.4%. The preoperative systemic thrombolysis use was 11.5%. The in-hospital mortality was estimated to be 21.96% (95% CI: 19.21-24.98); in-hospital mortality from direct cardiovascular causes was estimated to be 16.05% (95% CI: 12.95-19.73). With a weighted median follow-up of 3.05 years, the late cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality incidence rates were 0.39 and 0.90 per person-year, respectively. The incidence of pulmonary bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, surgical site bleeding, non-surgical site bleeding and wound complications was 0.62%, 4.70%, 4.84%, 5.80% and 7.2%, respectively. Cumulative meta-analysis showed a decline in hospital mortality for SPE from 42.86% in 1965 to 20.56% in 2024. Meta-regression revealed that the publication year and male sex were associated with lower in-hospital mortality, while preoperative cardiac arrest, the need for inotropes or vasopressors and preoperative mechanical ventilation were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: This study demonstrates acceptable perioperative mortality rates and late cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in patients who undergo SPE for massive or submassive pulmonary embolism.

Treatment of acute high risk sub-massive pulmonary embolism with balloon angioplasty and thrombolysis simultaneously

Background: Acute sub-massive pulmonary embolism is a common clinical condition, and it is associated with high mortality and morbidity. This condition is commonly associated with various co-morbidities and clinical circumstances. Methods: This is a case report series of 4 patients, wherein the thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty was performed simultaneously using a Cordis 6F diagnostic catheter and later exchanged with a 6F guide catheter in the respective pulmonary artery when a larger balloon was required. Results: All these four patients achieved successful revascularization of the respective pulmonary artery. One patient expired 30 hours after the procedure with a significant reduction in the symptoms suddenly, which was likely a second episode of pulmonary embolism. No bleeding manifestations were observed in any of the patients. The other three patients are on follow-up. Conclusion: Simultaneous coronary balloon dilatation and thrombolysis is a useful method in the treatment of high risk submassive acute pulmonary embolism. If needed, higher caliber balloons can be used for the same technique using guide catheters.

Catheter-assisted local lysis therapy for submassive pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease. Interventional treatment options as an alternative to systemic lysis therapy of hemodynamically stable, submassive pulmonary embolisms have received an unprecedented boost in innovation in recent years. The treatment options are heterogeneous and can be roughly divided into local thrombolysis and local thrombectomy. For years in our center we have been carrying out catheter-assisted, locoregional lysis therapy with side-hole lysis catheters and acumulative dose per pulmonary branch of 10 mg alteplase over 15 h for hemodynamically stable, submassive pulmonary emboli. The aim of this retrospective study was to review this therapeutic concept and to collect data on clinical endpoints and possible complications. The study included data from 01/2018-03/2023. For this purpose, the patients were selected based on the OPS codes (8.838.60 and 1‑276.0), and the data was collected using the medical records. Biometric data, data on previous illnesses and vital parameters, laboratory chemistry data, CT diagnostic data, echocardiographic data, data on drug treatment and data on complications were collected anonymously. There was asignificant reduction in the strain on the right heart. Peripheral oxygen saturation also improved significantly and heart rate decreased significantly. The complication rate remained low and was almost exclusively limited to access-related problems. Catheter-assisted, locoregional lysis therapy is asafe and effective treatment method for submassive pulmonary embolism.

Evolution of Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams in the United States: A Review of the Literature.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of cardiovascular mortality, with varying presentations and management challenges. Traditional treatment approaches often differ, particularly for submassive/intermediate-risk PEs, because of the lack of clear guidelines and comparative data on treatment efficacy. The introduction of pulmonary embolism response teams (PERTs) aims to standardize and improve outcomes in acute PE management through multidisciplinary collaboration. This review examines the conception, evolution, and operational mechanisms of PERTs while providing a critical analysis of their implementation and efficacy using retrospective trials and recent randomized trials. The study also explores the integration of advanced therapeutic devices and treatment protocols facilitated by PERTs. PERT programs have significantly influenced the management of both massive and submassive PEs, with notable improvements in clinical outcomes such as decreased mortality and reduced length of hospital stay. The utilization of advanced therapies, including catheter-directed thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, has increased under PERT guidance. Evidence from various studies, including those from the National PERT Consortium, underscores the benefits of these multidisciplinary teams in managing complex PE cases, despite some studies showing no significant difference in mortality. PERT programs have demonstrated potentials to reduce morbidity and mortality, streamlining the use of healthcare resources and fostering a model of sustainable practice across medical centers. PERT program implementation appears to have improved PE treatment protocols and innovated advanced therapy options, which will be further refined as they are employed in clinical practice. The continued expansion of the capabilities of PERTs and the forthcoming results from ongoing randomized trials are expected to further define and optimize management protocols for acute PEs.

Long-Term Echocardiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Invasive and Non-Invasive Therapies for Sub-Massive and Massive Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of mortality in the hospital setting. The objective of this study was to outline the long-term outcomes after surgical and non-surgical management for patients with massive and submassive PE. Population cohort observational study evaluating all patients who presented to three tertiary hospitals in the state of Western Australia with access to cardiothoracic services over 5 years (2013-2018). Reviewed notes of all patients as well as radiology, linked mortality data and all available echocardiography studies at the primary hospital. In total, 245 patients were identified, of which 41 received surgical management and 204 non-surgical management; demographic data was similar. Clinically, the surgical group had higher rates of shock requiring vasopressors, severe bradycardia, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to intervention. The 28-day mortality was not statistically significantly different between the surgical embolectomy group (2/41 [4.2%]) and the non-surgical group (17/201 [8.3%]) (p=0.382). There was no difference in 12-month mortality, including when this was adjusted for vasopressors, right ventricular (RV) strain, troponin, and brain natriuretic peptide. In the massive PE sub-group, 28-day mortality was not significantly different: 2/29 (6.9%) surgical group vs 7/34 (20.2%) non-surgical group (p=0.064). Higher rates of severe RV impairment and dilatation were present in the surgical group. All patients with available echocardiography studies at outpatient follow-up returned to normal or mild RV impairment. Patients who presented with massive or submassive PE had similar outcomes whether treated with surgical or non-surgical management. Surgical embolectomy is a safe option in a cardiothoracic centre setting.

Catheter-directed Thrombolysis vs Suction Thrombectomy in the Management of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Catheter-directed Thrombolysis vs Suction Thrombectomy in the Management of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Double bad luck: pulmonary embolism and vaginal bleeding - a case report

BackgroundPulmonary embolism is a common and potentially fatal condition. Exogenous estrogens in contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of venous thrombo-embolism. However, discontinuation of a combined oral contraceptive can lead to severe withdrawal bleeding in an anticoagulated patient.Case presentationWe report a case of a 47-year-old female who presented to the emergency room with a two-day history of worsening shortness of breath and chest pain. Her chronic medication included a combined oral contraceptive pill. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dilatation. Computerized tomography scan revealed bilateral pulmonary embolism. She received thrombolysis with alteplase and was started on rivaroxaban. Five days after discharge, however, she was readmitted with severe vaginal bleeding.Discussion and conclusionWe describe a case of submassive pulmonary embolism, treated with thrombolysis and anticoagulation, who developed severe vaginal bleeding after stopping the contraceptive pill. This case highlights the importance of detailed menstrual history taking when initiating anticoagulation in women. Discontinuation of oral contraceptives, while important in reducing the risk of recurrent thrombosis, could be postponed until the end of the recommended course of anticoagulation and until a safe alternative form of contraception has been established, if required.

F-29 | Improvement in hospital and ICU lengths-of-stay among patients receiving catheter-based therapy for submassive pulmonary embolism, 2018-2023

F-29 | Improvement in hospital and ICU lengths-of-stay among patients receiving catheter-based therapy for submassive pulmonary embolism, 2018-2023

Shear wave elastography values of thrombus in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis for pulmonary embolism detection: the ROC analysis

Rationale: Thrombosis of the iliac (IV) and femoral veins (FV) is one of the most common causes of pulmonary embolism (PE). Modern ultrasound scanners are equipped with the technology of shear wave elastography, which gives a quantitative assessment of thrombus stiffness by Young's modulus reconstruction. However, the lack of convincing data on the role of thrombus stiffness for clinical manifestations of PE hinders the active use of shear wave elastography to diagnose the risk of embolism.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the threshold values of the venous thrombus Young’s modulus for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities complicated by massive PE and/or PE with acute cor pulmonale (ACP).&#x0D; Materials and methods: This was a single center cross-sectional study in 101 patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute (duration of less than 2 weeks) or subacute (from 2 weeks to 3 months) IV and FV thrombosis. Doppler ultrasound of the lower extremity veins and echocardiography were done in all patients. Forty eight patients with clinical signs of PE had chest computed tomography. The venous thrombus stiffness was assessed by shear wave elastography with the Young's modulus reconstruction. We performed the ROC analysis for mean values of the Young's modulus for proximal segments of IV and FV thrombi in patients with DVT and massive PE and ACP.&#x0D; Results: PE was diagnosed in 40.6% (26/64) of the patients hospitalized with acute DVT and in 54.1% (20/37) of those with subacute DVT. Echocardiographic signs of ACP in massive PE were found in 47.4% (9/19) of the patients, in submassive and minor PE in 55.6% (15/27). In DVT complicated with PE, the ROC analysis of the shear wave elastography results gave the following threshold values of the mean Young’s modulus for the proximal thrombus segment: for acute IV thrombosis + PE and ACP, ≤ 16.7 kPa (AUC 0.714, sensitivity 100%, specificity 42.1%), in subacute IV thrombosis + PE and APC, ≤ 23.7 kPa (0.939, 100 and 90.9%, respectively), in acute FV thrombosis + massive PE, ≥ 9.5 kPa (0.706, 100 and 50%, respectively), in subacute FV thrombosis + massive PE, ≥ 24.4 kPa (0.550, 60.0 and 68.8%, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: Shear wave elastography of deep vein thrombi of the lower extremities makes it possible to identify patients with PE and ACP during acute and subacute IV thrombosis and to determine massive PE in acute FV thrombosis.

Cutting-Edge Techniques and Drugs for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Recent advances have led to the development of newer techniques and drugs aimed at improving PE management, reducing its associated morbidity and mortality and the complications related to anticoagulation. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge and future perspectives on PE treatment. Anticoagulation represents the first-line treatment of hemodynamically stable PE, direct oral anticoagulants being a safe and effective alternative to traditional anticoagulation: these drugs have a rapid onset of action, predictable pharmacokinetics, and low bleeding risk. Systemic fibrinolysis is suggested in patients with cardiac arrest, refractory hypotension, or shock due to PE. With this narrative review, we aim to assess the state of the art of newer techniques and drugs that could radically improve PE management in the near future: (i) mechanical thrombectomy and pulmonary embolectomy are promising techniques reserved to patients with massive PE and contraindications or failure to systemic thrombolysis; (ii) catheter-directed thrombolysis is a minimally invasive approach that can be suggested for the treatment of massive or submassive PE, but the lack of large, randomized controlled trials represents a limitation to widespread use; (iii) novel pharmacological approaches, by agents inhibiting thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, factor Xia, and the complement cascade, are currently under investigation to improve PE-related outcomes in specific settings.

Risks and Benefits of Device-Assisted Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism

AbstractPulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the familiarity with this disease, the best treatment remains undefined. Traditionally, treatment of PE has involved a choice of anticoagulation, thrombolysis, or surgery. However, the debate over pharmacologic versus mechanical treatment of acute PE reared up again with the advent of user-friendly mechanical and aspiration thrombectomy technologies. This is especially true for submassive PE, which is an area for potential growth both for understanding the pathophysiology of the disease process and management. Multiple devices are available for treatment of PE. Understanding the risks and benefits of each device is paramount in the complex management of PE.

Racial Disparities and Other Socioeconomic Predictors of Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism Treatment from the National Inpatient Sample

PurposeTo explore the significance of socioeconomic factors such as race and ethnicity as predictors of mortality in submassive and massive acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and MethodsHospitalizations of patients aged >18 years with acute, nonseptic PE from 2016 to 2019 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample and divided into interventional radiology (IR) (catheter-directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy) and non-IR (tissue plasminogen activator) treatments. Statistical analyses calculated significant odds ratios (ORs) via 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary outcome of interest was mortality rate. Comorbidities affecting mortality were examined secondarily. ResultsNon-Hispanic (NH) Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients were significantly less likely to undergo an IR procedure for acute, nonseptic PE compared with White patients (NH Black, OR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.76–0.90], P < .05; Hispanic, 0.78 [0.68–0.89], P = .06; Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.71 [0.51–0.98], P = .72); however, these differences were eliminated when propensity score matching was performed for age, biological sex, and primary insurance type or for primary insurance type alone. NH Black patients were significantly more likely to die than White patients, regardless of undergoing non-IR or IR treatment. Overall risk of death was 41% higher for NH Black patients than for White patients (relative risk, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.24–1.60]; P < .001). ConclusionsNH Black patients have a higher risk of mortality from acute, nonseptic PE than White patients. Independent of race, undergoing IR management for acute, nonseptic PEs was associated with a lower mortality rate. Matching for primary insurance type eliminates differences in mortality between races, suggesting that socioeconomic status may determine outcomes in acute PE.

Differentiating electrocardiographic indications of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism: A cross-sectional study in Southern Iran from 2015 to 2020.

Although using electrocardiogram (ECG) for pulmonary embolism (PE) risk stratification has shown mixed results, it is currently used as supplementary evidence in risk stratification. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess and compare ECG findings of massive and submassive PE versus segmental PE. This cross-sectional study included 250 hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute PE from 2015 to 2020 in Southern Iran. Demographic variables, clinical data, troponin levels, on-admission ECG findings, echocardiography findings, and ECG findings 24 h after receiving anticoagulants or thrombolytics were extracted. Patients diagnosed with submassive or massive PE exhibited significantly higher rates of right axis deviation (p = .010), abnormal ST segment (p < .0001), S1Q3T3 pattern (p < .0001), inverted T wave in leads V1-V3 (p < .0001), inverted T wave in leads V4-V6 (p < .0001), and inverted T wave in leads V1-V6 (p < .0001). In a multivariable model, inverted T wave in leads V1-V3, inverted T wave in leads V4-V6, pulse rate, and positive troponin test were the statistically independent variables for predicting submassive or massive PE. Furthermore, inverted T wave in leads V1-V3 (sensitivity: 85%, specificity: 95%, accuracy: 93%, AUC: 0.902) and troponin levels (sensitivity: 72%, specificity: 86%, accuracy: 83%, AUC: 0.792) demonstrated the best diagnostic test performance for discriminating submassive or massive PE from segmental PE. In addition to clinical rules, ECG can serve as an ancillary tool for assessing more invasive testing and earlier aggressive treatments among patients with PE, as it can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and risk stratification of submassive or massive PE.

Physiologically Guided Thrombolysis in Pulmonary Embolism

We describe the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented with submassive pulmonary embolism without overt shock, but with significant signs of right ventricular failure and dyspnea on minimal exertion. She was managed using a point-of-care ultrasound and pulmonary artery pressure-guided approach in order to minimize total thrombolytic dose while nonetheless achieving significant physiological improvement.

The value of electrocardiography in predicting inpatient mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: A cross sectional analysis

IntroductionPulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant global cause of mortality, ranking third after myocardial infarction and stroke. ECG findings may play a valuable role in the prognostication of patients with PE, with various ECG abnormalities proving to be reasonable predictors of haemodynamic decompensation, cardiogenic shock, and even mortality. This study aims to assess the value of electrocardiography in predicting inpatient mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, as diagnosed with computed tomography pulmonary angiogram. MethodThis study was a cross sectional analysis based at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Eligible patients were identified from all CT-PA performed between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 (2 years). The ECGs were independently screened by two blinded emergency physicians for predetermined signs that are associated with right heart strain and higher pulmonary artery pressures, and these findings were analysed to in-hospital mortality. ResultsOf the included 81 patients, 61 (75 %) were female. Of the 41 (51 %) patients with submassive PE and 8 (10 %) with massive PE, 7 (17 %) and 3 (38 %) suffered inpatient mortality (p = 0.023) respectively. Univariate ECG analysis revealed that complete right bundle branch block (OR, 8.6; 95 % CI, 1.1 to 69.9; p = 0.044) and right axis deviation (OR, 5.6; 95 % CI, 1.4 to 22.4; p = 0.015) were significant predictors of inpatient mortality. ConclusionEarly identification of patients with pulmonary embolism at higher risk of clinical deterioration and in-patient mortality remains a challenge. Even though no clinical finding or prediction tool in isolation can reliably predict outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism, this study demonstrated two ECG findings at presentation that were associated with a higher likelihood of inpatient mortality. This single-centre observational study with a small sample precludes concrete conclusions and a large follow-up multi-centre study is advised.