The influence of patient sex on pulmonary embolism evaluation, treatment modality, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third-leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, accounting for 100,000 deaths per year in the United States. Although sex-based disparities have previously been described in this population, it is unclear if these differences have persisted with the expansion of PE evaluation and treatment approaches. The purpose of this study is to investigate sex-based differences in the evaluation, management, and outcomes of patients with acute PE. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in the national Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) Consortium database between October 2015 and October 2022. We evaluated patient demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic imaging performed, treatment at several phases of care (pre-PERT, PERT recommendations, and post-PERT), and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5722 patients with acute PE (2838 [49.6%] women) from 35 centers were included. There were no differences in PE risk category between male and female patients. Women were less likely to undergo echocardiography (76.9% vs 73.8%) and more likely to receive no anticoagulation prior to PERT evaluation (35.5% vs 32.9%). PERT teams were more likely to recommend catheter-based interventions for men (26.6% vs 23.1%), and men were more likely to undergo these procedures (21.9% vs 19.3%). In a multivariable analysis, female sex was a predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21). CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, we identified sex-based differences in the evaluation and management of patients presenting with acute PE. Subsequently, women presenting with acute PE were at higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

Fibrinolytic Status and Risk of Death After Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a heterogeneous disease process with variable presentation and outcomes. The endogenous fibrinolytic system is a complex framework of regulatory pathways that maintains homeostasis by dissolving overabundant thrombi. We sought to investigate phenotypic profiles of the endogenous fibrinolytic system among patients presenting with acute PE and their impact on mortality. METHODS: We enrolled all consecutive patients with acute PE in our institutional Pulmonary Embolism Response Team registry. We collected blood samples at the time of PE diagnosis and analyzed concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and alpha-2-antiplasmin (A2A). We assessed the association of concentration of fibrinolytic inhibitors and 1-year all-cause mortality and various echocardiographic markers of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. RESULTS: There is significant variability of PAI-1, A2A, and TAFI concentrations across the spectrum of PE risk profiles with high PAI-1, low TAFI, and low A2A (herein referred to as a high-risk biomarker profile) correlating with worse PE severity. High-risk biomarker profile correlated with high-risk echocardiographic features of RV dysfunction, including increased RV/left ventricular (LV) ratio, low tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and low right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral. Higher-risk biomarker profile was able to discriminate and independently identify patients at high risk of all-cause mortality (Group 2 HR 6 95% CI 1.3-27.8, Group 3 HR 12, 95% CI 1.7-86). CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to assess the exact pathophysiological link between fibrinolytic status and poor outcome after acute PE and to ascertain the impact of anti-inhibitors of the fibrinolytic system on response to therapy and outcomes after acute PE.

A novel comprehensive radiation shielding system eliminates need for personal lead aprons in the catheterization laboratory.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical study evaluated the efficacy of a novel radiation shielding system for the cardiac catheterization laboratory designed to provide comprehensive protection that obviates the need for personal lead aprons. BACKGROUND: Invasive Cardiologists are exposed to occupational health hazards related directly to radiation exposure (RE) and indirectly to the orthopedic burden of wearing only partially protective lead aprons. Innovations to reduce these risks are warranted. A novel comprehensive shielding system (ProtegoTM , Image Diagnostics Inc, Fitchburg, Ma) has been validated in pre-clinical studies to provide excellent radiation protection, sufficient for the State of Michigan to certify it for use without need for personal lead aprons. METHODS: This clinical analysis measured RE to a single Physician operator utilizing the ProtegoTM shield (and not wearing personal lead apron) during routine cardiac catheterization procedures (diagnostic and interventional). RE was measured at both thyroid and waist level with a real-time dosimetry system (RaysafeTM , Billdal, Sweden), calculated on a median per case basis (mrems). Additional parameters collected included procedure type, access site, per case fluoroscopy time, and patient factors including body mass index. RESULTS: In n=98 cases (25% diagnostic, 75% interventional including 22% chronic total occlusions), median/case RE was 0.4 mrems (thyroid) and 0.2 mrems (waist). RE=0 in 12 cases. In no case did radiation exposure exceed 3.2 mrems. CONCLUSION: The ProtegoTM shield system provides excellent RE protection to the Physician operator, without the need for personal lead aprons and has the potential to reduce catheterization laboratory occupational health hazards.

Submassive Pulmonary Embolism Complicating Small Bowel Obstruction.

The evaluation of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) requires a comprehensive approach that assesses physical and laboratory exam findings, interprets varying imaging modalities, and selects appropriate treatment strategies. Comorbidities can complicate treatment and influence physicians to make difficult management decisions. In this case report, we present a patient with a small bowel obstruction complicated by submassive intermediate high-risk PE. Stratifying risk in PE patients is crucial to gauge when to use invasive interventions. There is limited clinical data to identify the optimal timing of surgery in patients with concurrent PE. We describe a challenging case where a patient requires multiple life-saving interventions; however, each treatment method carries a risk of bleeding or further complicating surgical candidacy. The patient in question first undergoes treatment of PE to improve hemodynamics and lower the clot burden prior to proceeding with resection of the small bowel. This report emphasizes the utility of the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team to facilitate care when surgical comorbidities require immediate attention as well.

Acute submassive pulmonary embolism after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report of reinfection or prolonged hypercoagulable state.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) reinfection has been a topic of discussion with data still emerging. Viral antibodies are known to develop upon initial infection; however, it is unclear the amount of protection this confers against reinfection. Additionally, COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) is a well-documented phenomenon; however, there are no high-quality studies to support the treatment of outpatients beyond standard indications of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. This case describes a patient with either COVID-19 reinfection or prolonged course of CAC resulting in pulmonary embolism (PE). CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old healthy man presented with fever and cough. He tested positive for COVID-19 and was sent home to self-quarantine. His symptoms resolved and repeat COVID-19 testing returned negative. Two months later, he developed dyspnoea on exertion and syncope. Computed tomography with PE protocol demonstrated acute bilateral PE, and repeat COVID-19 testing returned positive. He was escalated to catheter-directed thrombolysis, but prior to the procedure went into cardiopulmonary arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and full-dose systemic alteplase was administered. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted for consideration of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; however, return of spontaneous circulation was unable to be achieved. DISCUSSION: This case raises the question of COVID-19 reinfection and prolonged risk of VTE due to CAC. We believe the patient was reinfected with COVID-19 provoking his PE; however, a single COVID-19 infection causing a prolonged course of CAC is possible. Until better data exists, decisions regarding outpatient prophylaxis must be individualized to weigh the risks of bleeding against the risk of thrombosis.

Angiopoietin-2 correlates with pulmonary embolism severity, right ventricular dysfunction, and intensive care unit admission.

Risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is important to identify patients at risk for hemodynamic collapse who would benefit from more aggressive therapies. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a signaling molecule involved in angiogenesis and is upregulated in response to tissue hypoxia. We aimed to assess the association of Ang-2 with (1) PE severity, (2) echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic markers of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and (3) need for intensive treatment. Patients presenting to our institution with acute PE were included in a prospective database and blood samples were collected and stored for later analysis. A total of 65 patients were included in the study. Ang-2 correlated with PE risk stratification and echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic markers of RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. An Ang-2 level of > 4101 pg/mL had an odds ratio of 7.4 (95% CI: 1.53-12.5, p < 0.01) for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. In conclusion, Ang-2 correlates with PE severity, RV dysfunction, and need for ICU admission. Ang-2 holds promise as a novel marker that can aid in risk stratification for this patient population.

Relationship of Stress Test Findings to Anatomic or Functional Extent of Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, functional stress testing is the primary imaging modality for patients with stable symptoms suspected to represent coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is excellent at identifying anatomic coronary artery disease (CAD). The application of computational fluid dynamics to coronary CTA allows fractional flow reserve (FFR) to be calculated noninvasively (FFRCT). The relationship of noninvasive stress testing to coronary CTA and FFRCT in real-world clinical practice has not been studied. METHODS: We evaluated 206 consecutive patients at Loyola University Chicago with suspected CAD who underwent noninvasive stress testing followed by coronary CTA and FFRCT when indicated. Patients were categorized by stress test results (positive, negative, indeterminate, and equivocal). Duke treadmill score (DTS), METS, exercise duration, and chest pain with exercise were analyzed. Lesions ≥ 50%stenosis were considered positive by coronary CTA. FFRCT < 0.80 was considered diagnostic of ischemia. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients had paired noninvasive stress test and coronary CTA/FFRCT results. The median time from stress test to coronary CTA was 49 days. Average patient age was 60.3 years, and 42% were male. Of the 206 stress tests, 75% were exercise (70% echocardiographic, 26% nuclear, and 4% EKG). There were no associations of stress test results with CAD > 50% or FFRCT < 0.80 (p = 0.927 and p = 0.910, respectively). Of those with a positive stress test, only 30% (3/10) had CAD > 50% and only 50% (5/10) had FFRCT < 0.80. Chest pain with exercise did not correlate with CAD > 50% or FFRCT < 0.80 (p = 0.66 and p = 0.12, respectively). There were no significant correlations between METS, DTS, or exercise duration and FFRCT (r = 0.093, p = 0.274; r = 0.012, p = 0.883; and r = 0.034, p = 0.680; respectively). CONCLUSION: Noninvasive stress testing, functional capacity, chest pain with exercise, and DTS are not associated with anatomic or functional CAD using a diagnostic strategy of coronary CTA and FFRCT.

Adapting STEMI care for the COVID-19 pandemic: The case for low-risk STEMI triage and early discharge.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the need for rapid assessment of resource utilization within our hospital systems. Specifically, the overwhelming need for intensive care unit (ICU) beds within epicenters of the pandemic has created a need for consideration as to how acute coronary syndrome cases, and specifically ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, are managed postprocedure. While most patients in the United States continue to be managed in coronary care units after primary percutaneous coronary intervention, there is a robust literature regarding the ability to triage STEMI patients safely and efficiently with low-risk features to non-ICU beds. We review the various risk scores for STEMI triage and the data supporting their usage. In summary, these findings support an approach to low-risk STEMI triage that does not come at the expense of quality patient care or outcomes, where up to two-thirds of patients with STEMI may be able to be safely managed without ICU-level care.

Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Safely Defers Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

OBJECTIVES: In the United States, the real-world feasibility and outcome of using fractional flow reserve from coronary computed tomography angiography (FFRCT) is unknown. We sought to determine whether a strategy that combined coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and FFRCT could safely reduce the need for invasive coronary angiography (ICA), as compared to coronary CTA alone. METHODS: The study included 387 consecutive patients with suspected CAD referred for coronary CTA with selective FFRCT and 44 control patients who underwent CTA alone. Lesions with 30-90% diameter stenoses were considered of indeterminate hemodynamic significance and underwent FFRCT. Nadir FFRCT ≤ 0.80 was positive. The rate of patients having ICA, revascularization and major adverse cardiac events were recorded. RESULTS: Using coronary CTA and selective FFRCT, 121 patients (32%) had at least one vessel with ≥50% diameter stenosis; 67/121 (55%) patients had at least one vessel with FFRCT ≤ 0.80; 55/121 (45%) underwent ICA; and 34 were revascularized. The proportion of ICA patients undergoing revascularization was 62% (34 of 55). The number of patients with vessels with 30-50% diameter of stenosis was 90 (23%); 28/90 (31%) patients had at least one vessel with FFRCT ≤ 0.80; 8/90 (9%) underwent ICA; and five were revascularized. In our institutional practice, compared to coronary CTA alone, coronary CTA with selective FFRCT reduced the rates of ICA (45% vs. 80%) for those with obstructive CAD. Using coronary CTA with selective FFRCT, no major adverse cardiac events occurred over a mean follow-up of 440 days. CONCLUSION: FFRCT safely deferred ICA in patients with CAD of indeterminate hemodynamic significance. A high proportion of those who underwent ICA were revascularized.

Radiation and the heart: systematic review of dosimetry and cardiac endpoints.

INTRODUCTION: Recent trials in radiotherapy have associated heart dose and survival, inadequately explained by the existing literature for radiation-related late cardiac effects.  Authors aimed to review the recent literature on cardiac dosimetry and survival/cardiac endpoints. Areas covered: Systematic review of the literature in the past 10 years (2008-2017) was performed to identify manuscripts reporting both cardiac dosimetry and survival/cardiac endpoints.  Authors identified 64 manuscripts for inclusion, covering pediatrics, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal diseases (primarily esophageal cancer), and adult lymphoma. Expert commentary: In the first years after radiotherapy, high doses (>40 Gy) to small volumes of the heart are associated with decreased survival from an unknown cause.  In the long-term, mean heart dose is associated with a small increased absolute risk of cardiac death.  For coronary disease, relative risk increases roughly 10% per Gy mean heart dose, augmented by age and cardiac risk factors.  For valvular disease and heart failure, doses >15 Gy substantially increase risk, augmented by anthracyclines.  Arrhythmias after radiotherapy are poorly described but may account for the association between upper heart dose and survival.  Symptomatic pericardial effusion typically occurs with doses >40 Gy.  Close follow-up and mitigation of cardiovascular risk factors are necessary after thoracic radiotherapy.

Greater Occipital Nerve Block for Acute Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Greater occipital nerve (GON) blocks are frequently used to treat migraine headaches, although a paucity of supporting clinical evidence exists. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of GON block in acute treatment of migraine headache, with a focus on pain relief. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was undertaken between January 2009 and August 2014 and included patients who underwent at least 1 GON block and attended at least 1 follow-up appointment. Change in the 11-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to assess the response to GON block. Response was defined as "minimal" (<30% NPRS point reduction), "moderate" (31-50% NPRS point reduction), or "significant" (>50% NPRS point reduction). RESULTS: A total of 562 patients met inclusion criteria; 423 were women (75%). Mean age was 58.6 ± 16.7 years. Of these 562, 459 patients (82%) rated their response to GON block as moderate or significant. No statistically significant relationship existed between previous treatment regimens and response to GON block. GON block was equally effective across the different age and sex groups. CONCLUSIONS: Greater occipital block seems to be an effective option for acute management of migraine headache, with promising reductions in pain scores.

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With a Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction from 35% to 50.

The risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mild-to-moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. This retrospective case-control study aims to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with the development of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) as documented on permanent pacemakers or implantable loop recorders in tertiary care center patients with an LVEF of 35% to 50%. Data pertaining to patient demographics, previous medical history, heart failure functional class, echocardiographic parameters, and survival were compared between the groups. Of the 326 patients with an LVEF within the target range, 90 patients (27.6%) had NSVT recorded on their device and 236 patients (72.4%) did not. Compared with patients without NSVT, patients with NSVT had a higher body mass index (28.4 kg/m2 vs 26.8 kg/m2, p = 0.02), more ischemic heart disease (57.8% vs 32.8%, p < 0.0001), higher left atrial volume index (45.8 ml/m2 vs 42.0 ml/m2, p = 0.04), and lower use of antiarrhythmic medications (4.4% vs 11.9%, p = 0.04). The presence of NSVT and the duration of NSVT had no relation to survival, supporting the notion that NSVT is a benign finding in patients with an LVEF of 35% to 50%.

Constrictive Pericarditis 5 Months after Radiation Therapy in a 62-Year-Old Woman with Esophageal Cancer.

Most pericardial changes appear within a few weeks in patients who have undergone radiation therapy for thoracic neoplasms. Chronic pericardial constriction typically occurs decades later, consequent to fibrosis. Early constrictive pericarditis after chest irradiation is quite rare. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who underwent radiation therapy for esophageal cancer and presented with constrictive pericarditis 5 months later. We searched the English-language medical literature from January 1986 through December 2015 for reports of early constrictive pericarditis after irradiation for thoracic malignancies. We defined "early" as a diagnosis within one year after radiation therapy. Five cases fit our criteria, and we summarize the findings here. To our knowledge, ours is the first definitive report of a patient with esophageal cancer to present with early radiation-induced constrictive pericarditis. We conclude that constrictive pericarditis can occur early after radiation for thoracic malignancies, albeit rarely. When planning care for cancer patients, awareness of this sequela is helpful.

The efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in reducing cardiovascular events in obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

Prospective studies show an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice and effectively reduces subjective sleepiness and apneic and hypopneic events. However, randomized trials have not shown a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes with CPAP therapy. We review the past 10 years of randomized trial evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy of CPAP on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The majority of studies found no significant improvement in cardiovascular outcomes with CPAP, although many noted nonsignificant benefits. Adjusted analysis in several trials showed significant cardiovascular benefit in those patients with higher CPAP compliance. Existing trials may lack sufficient follow-up and CPAP compliance, among other limitations.