The prognostic value of blood cellular indices in pulmonary embolism.

Prognostication in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) requires reliable markers. While cellular indices such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) appear promising, their utility in PE prognostication needs further exploration. We utilized data from the RIETE registry and the Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) to assess the prognostic value of NLR, PLR, and SII in acute PE, using logistic regression models. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. We compared their prognostic value versus the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) alone. We included 10 085 patients from RIETE and 700 from the LUMC. Thirty-day mortality rates were 4.6% and 8.3%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, an elevated NLR (>7.0) was associated with increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.60-4.60), outperforming the PLR > 220 (aOR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.77-3.13), and SII > 1600 (aOR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.90-3.33). The c-statistic for NLR in patients with low-risk PE was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.69-0.86). Respective numbers were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.63-0.69) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59-0.76) for intermediate-risk and high-risk patients. These findings were mirrored in the LUMC cohort. Among 9810 normotensive patients in RIETE, those scoring 0 points in sPESI and with an NLR ≤ 7.0 (35% of the population) displayed superior sensitivity (97.1%; 95% CI: 95.5-98.7) and negative predictive value (99.7%; 95% CI: 99.5-99.8) than sPESI alone (87.1%; 95% CI: 83.9-90.3, and 98.7%; 95% CI: 98.4-99.1, respectively) for 30-day mortality. The NLR is a significant prognostic marker for 30-day mortality in PE patients, especially useful to identify patients with very low-risk PE.

Association of Left Atrial Hemodynamics by Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Cardiac Amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) function and strain patterns by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been investigated as markers of several cardiovascular pathologies, including cardiac amyloidosis (CA). However, associations with clinical outcomes have not been investigated. PURPOSE: To compare LA function and strain by MRI in CA patients to a matched cohort of patients without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and evaluate the association with long-term clinical outcomes in CA patients. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective case control. POPULATION: A total of 51 patients with CA and 51 age-, gender-, and race-matched controls without CVD who underwent MRI in sinus rhythm. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: ECG-gated balanced steady-state free precession sequence at 1.5 T. ASSESSMENT: All measurements were completed by one investigator (M.M.B.). LA function and strain parameters were measured including LA indexed minimum and maximum volumes, LA reservoir (R), contractile (CT), and conduit (CD) strain. We compared groups after adjusting for age, hypertension, New York Heart Association class, modified staging system (troponin-I, BNP, estimated GFR) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for an endpoint of all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of heart failure hospitalization (HFH) or death. STATISTICAL TESTS: Differences between groups were evaluated with t tests for continuous variables or χ2 tests for categorical variables. A multivariable regression model was used to assess the associations of the P values-two-sided tests-<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: CA patients with median follow up of 4.9 (8.5) months had significantly lower LA strain and higher LA volumes in comparison to the matched cohort. In the multivariable analysis, only LVEF was significantly associated with death while ƐCT (OR 0.6, CI: 0.41-0.89), indexed minimum LA volume (OR 1.06, CI: 1.02-1.13) and indexed maximum LA volume (OR 1.08, CI: 1.01-1.15) were significantly associated with the composite outcome of death or HFH. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of CA patients, ƐCT and indexed minimum and maximum LA volumes were significantly associated with the composite outcome of death or HFH. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

A goal-oriented hemodynamic approach to acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock-A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) is the most common cause of mortality following AMI, and treatment algorithms vary widely. We report the results of an analysis using time-sensitive, hemodynamic goals in the treatment of AMI-CS in a single center study. METHODS: Consecutive patients with AMI-CS from November 2016 through December 2021 were included in our retrospective analysis. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed using the electronic medical records. We identified 63 total patients who were admitted to our center with AMI-CS, and we excluded patients who did not have clear timing of AMI onset or CS onset. We evaluated the rate of survival to hospital discharge based on the quantity of certain time-sensitive hemodynamic goals were met. RESULTS: We identified 63 patients who met criteria for AMI-CS, 39 (62%) of whom survived to hospital discharge. Odds of survival were closely related to the achievement of four time-dependent goals: cardiac power output (CPO) >0.6 Watts (W), pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) >1, lactate <4 mmol/L, and <2 vasopressors required. Of the 63 total patients, 36 (57%) received intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and 18 (29%) received an Impella CP (Abiomed) as an initial mechanical circulatory support strategy. Six patients were escalated from IABP to Impella CP for additional hemodynamic support. Nine patients were treated with vasopressors/inotropes alone. Regarding the 39 patients who survived to hospital discharge, 75% of patients met 3 or 4 goals at 24 h, whereas only 16% of deceased patients met 3 or 4 goals at 24 h. Of the 24 patients who did not survive to hospital discharge, 18 (75%) met either 0-1 goal at 24 h. There was no effect of the initial treatment strategy on achieving 3-4 goals at 24 h. CONCLUSION: Our study evaluated the association of meeting 4 time-sensitive goals (CPO >0.6 W, PAPi >1, <2 vasopressors, and lactate <4 mmol/L) at 24 h after treatment for AMI-CS with in-hospital mortality. Our data show, in line with previous data, that the higher number of goals met at 24 h was associated with improved in-hospital mortality regardless of treatment strategy.

VA-ECMO-assisted aspiration thrombectomy in a patient presenting with acute massive PE with absolute contraindications to thrombolytics.

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening complication of major surgery with a mortality rate up to 50%. First-line therapy for massive PE is systemic thrombolytics, but surgical patients are at high bleeding risk with absolute contraindications. As surgical thrombectomy carries a high burden of morbidity and mortality, endovascular interventions are becoming more common in these clinical scenarios. We report a case of a neurosurgical patient whose postoperative course was complicated by massive PE and subsequent cardiac arrest that required emergent venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, followed by aspiration thrombectomy with the Inari FlowTriever Device (Inari Medical). The patient had immediate hemodynamic improvement with eventual recovery to baseline functional status.

Improving efficiency and operator proficiency during percutaneous coronary interventions utilizing a standardized optical coherence tomography workflow.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare efficiency and quality metrics between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures using optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided by a variable workflow versus a standardized workflow in a real-world population. BACKGROUND: The LightLab (LL) Initiative was designed to evaluate the impact of a standardized OCT workflow during PCI to address barriers to adoption. METHODS: The LL Initiative was a multicenter, prospective, observational study. PCI efficiency data were collected from 1/21/19 to 1/8/21 from 45 physicians at 17 US centers. OCT-guided PCIs were compared between baseline phase (variable workflow; N = 383) and the LL workflow utilization phase (N = 447). The LL workflow uses OCT to assess lesion Morphology, Length and Diameter, and then optimize outcomes by correcting for Medial dissection, stent mal-Apposition, and under-eXpansion (MLD MAX). Matching based on propensity scores was used to control for differences between PCIs. RESULTS: After propensity matching, 291 paired procedures were included. Integration of the LL versus variable workflow resulted in no difference in procedure time (51 min vs. 51 min, p = 0.93). There was a reduction in radiation exposure (1124 mGy vs. 1493 mGy, p < 0.0001) and contrast volume (160 cc vs. 172 cc, p < 0.001). The LL workflow decreased the proportion of underexpanded lesions (34% vs. 54%, p < 0.0001) and improved minimum stent expansion (85% vs. 79%, p < 0.0001). Number of noncompliant balloons used was reduced with the LL workflow. (2.0 vs. 1.7, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that standardizing imaging with the LL workflow may overcome barriers to imaging and improve PCI outcomes without prolonging procedures.

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.

Neurological Complications of Pulmonary Embolism: a Literature Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review discusses in-depth about neurological complications following acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). RECENT FINDINGS: Intracranial hemorrhage, acute ischemic cerebrovascular events, and VTE in brain tumors are described as central nervous system (CNS) complications of PE, while peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain are reported as peripheral nervous system (PNS) sequelae of PE. Syncope and seizure are illustrated as atypical neurological presentations of PE. Mounting evidence suggests higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with neurological diseases, but data on reverse, i.e., neurological sequelae following VTE, is underexplored. The present review is an attempt to explore some of the latter issues categorized into CNS, PNS, and atypical complications following VTE.

Technical success and long-term outcomes after anomalous right coronary artery stenting with cardiac computed tomography angiography correlation.

INTRODUCTION: Anomalous origin of coronary arteries has been observed in about 0.35-2.10% of the population. Patients with anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) may present with significant symptoms, arrhythmias or ACS, and at times sudden death. Traditionally, surgical correction has been the recommended treatment. However, these may be technically challenging, and bypass grafting for such anomalies has the potential for graft failure because of competitive flow. We sought to determine the intermediate and long-term outcomes of drug-eluting stent placement for patients with symptomatic ARCA. We also looked at angiographic findings suggestive of interarterial course as confirmed by subsequent computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2012, we enrolled 11 patients for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of ARCA in a single center, prospective, nonrandomized fashion. Patients were followed up in clinic at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and then annually or more frequently if needed. All patients underwent a cardiac CT, as well as functional stress testing when needed to assess for recurrence of disease. RESULTS: All 11 of our patients, who presented with significant symptomatic stenosis with an ARCA, were successfully treated with PCI. Mean follow-up duration was 8.5 years. The only two deaths during follow-up were related to noncardiac causes (sepsis), with a mortality rate of 18.2%. Two patients had a positive functional study and on subsequent coronary angiography, one of them had significant in-stent restenosis (target lesion revascularization of 9.1%) and one distal to the stent (target vessel revascularization 9.1%). We found the observation of a "slit-like lesion" on angiography to have a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86% for the diagnosis of interarterial course of the anomalous vessel seen on subsequent CT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that PCI of ARCA is an effective and low-risk alternative to surgical correction, with good procedural success and long-term outcomes. It can provide symptomatic relief in such patients and may reduce the risk of sudden death in younger patients, without the inherent risks associated with surgical repair.

Pulmonary embolism response team implementation improves awareness and education among the house staff and faculty.

A subset of high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients requires advanced therapy beyond anticoagulation. Significant variation in delivery of care has led institutions to standardize their approach by developing Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT). We sought to assess the impact of PERT implementation on house staff and faculty education. After implementation of PERT, we employed a targeted educational intervention aimed to improve PERT awareness, familiarity with treatment options, role of echocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound, and knowledge of acute PE risk stratification tools. We conducted an anonymous survey among the house staff and faculty before and after intervention to assess the impact of PERT implementation on educational objectives among clinicians. Initial and follow up samples included 115 and 109 responses. The samples were well represented across the subspecialties and all levels of training, as well as junior and senior faculty. Following the educational campaign, awareness of the program increased (72.2-92.6%, p < 0.01). Proportion of clinicians with reported comfort level of managing PE increased (82.4-90.8%, p = 0.07). Proportion of clinicians with self-reported comfort with explaining all available treatment modalities to patients increased (49.1-67.9%, p = 0.005). Proportions of responders who correctly identified the role of echocardiography in risk stratification of patients with known PE increased (73.9-84.4%, p = 0.07). Accurate clinical risk stratification of acute PE increased (60.2-73.8%, p = 0.03). The implementation of a targeted educational program at a tertiary care center increased awareness of PERT among house staff and faculty and improved physician's accuracy of clinical risk stratification and comfort level with management of acute PE.

Endovascular management of splenic artery aneurysms: case series using telescoping guide and cage/coil technique.

Splenic artery aneurysms are rare, but still the third most common abdominal aneurysm. Rupture is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, cardiologists have rarely been involved in the management of this entity. We present a series of four patients managed percutaneously by interventional cardiology using a combined telescoping guide and cage/coil technique.

Medical Management of Isolated Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection With Symptomatic Right Ventricular Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a rare congenital heart disease in which one or more pulmonary veins drain into the systemic venous circulation. The abnormal connection between the pulmonary vein and the right atrium can result in a right-sided volume overload due to a left-to-right shunt, followed by eventual right-sided pressure overload and right ventricular failure. PAPVC is usually associated with an atrial septal defect but can present as an isolated finding. We present a case of isolated PAPVC resulting in right heart failure and predominantly pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension. We discuss the challenges in the diagnosis and medical management of isolated PAPVC and highlight the clinical and hemodynamic indications for pulmonary vasodilators and diuretics.

Charlson and Elixhauser Comorbidity Indices for Prediction of Mortality and Hospital Readmission in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Several risk stratification systems aid clinicians in classifying pulmonary embolism (PE) severity and prognosis. We compared 2 clinical PE scoring systems, the PESI and sPESI scores, with 2 comorbidity indices, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the val Walraven Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), to determine the utility of each in predicting mortality and hospital readmission. Information was collected from 436 patients presenting with PE via retrospective chart review. The PESI, sPESI, CCI, and ECI scores were calculated for each patient. Multivariate analysis was used to determine each system's ability to predict in-hospital mortality, 90-day mortality, overall mortality, and all-cause hospital readmission. The impact of various demographic and clinical characteristics of each patient on these outcomes was also assessed. The PESI score was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and 90-day mortality. The PESI score and the CCI were able to independently predict overall mortality. None of the 4 risk scores independently predicted hospital readmission. Other factors including hypoalbuminemia, serum BNP, coagulopathy, anemia, and diabetes were associated with increased mortality and readmission at various endpoints. The PESI score was the best tool for predicting mortality at any endpoint. The CCI may have utility in predicting long-term outcomes. Further work is needed to better determine the roles of the CCI and ECI in predicting patient outcomes in PE. The potential prognostic implications of low serum albumin and anemia at the time of PE also warrant further investigation.

Correlation of elevated troponin and echocardiography in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has revealed a higher prevalence of elevated cardiac troponin T or I levels amongst patients admitted with stroke, which has been associated with increased cardiovascular events, higher mortality rates, and poor inpatient prognosis. Because cardiac comorbidities account for almost 20% of deaths after ischemic stroke, it is important to understand the relationship between troponin elevation, cardiac events, and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: We evaluated 137 consecutive patients ≥ 18 years of age who presented within 48 hours of AIS onset. All patients had laboratory markers drawn on admission, including troponin and brain natriuretic peptide, along with transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler. The mean age of our study population was 71.7 ± 14.6 years. RESULTS: Twenty-four of 137 patients (17.5%) had a positive troponin level. Sixteen of 24 (67%) patients with a positive troponin level had a new wall motion abnormality on echocardiogram that was suggestive of unstable atherosclerotic disease. On statistical analysis, we found a significant association between troponin and brain natriuretic peptide elevation with positive segmental wall motion abnormality on echocardiogram. CONCLUSIONS: These study findings represent a new paradigm of interpreting elevated cardiac biomarkers and may help with risk stratification and diagnosis of patients presenting with AIS.

Pulmonary Cement Embolism After Vertebroplasty.

Pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) is a known complication that can occur in the setting of vertebroplasty. The majority of these cases are asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging. There are no current management recommendations regarding PCE. We present a case of a patient who underwent vertebroplasty complicated by a symptomatic sub-massive PCE.

A rare case of miliary tuberculosis presenting with saddle pulmonary embolism.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by an airborne pathogen mycobacterium tuberculosis and typically presents with classic symptoms of fever, chills, night sweats, cough, and weight loss. TB has been shown to be an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism by inducing an inflammatory state. We present a rare case of miliary TB that was initially diagnosed with a sub-massive pulmonary embolism.

A Challenging Case of Stent Dislodgement During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Complicated by Peripheral Embolization.

We report a challenging case of stent dislodgement for a 49-year-old male with a history of end-stage renal disease and insulin-dependent diabetes undergoing an elective coronary angiogram for cardiac risk stratification before kidney transplant surgery. A diagnostic transradial coronary angiogram was performed showing two severe type A lesions to the proximal and distal left circumflex artery (LCx). While attempting to stent the proximal LCx, the stent dislodged to the left main coronary artery (LMCA). The stent was successfully retrieved from the LMCA via the transradial route using the small balloon anchoring technique. Unfortunately, while attempting to retrieve the stent-balloon assembly, the stent was accidentally stripped off the balloon embolizing to the right superior gluteal artery. Given the stable location, no attempt was made to retrieve the stent and the patient had no complications on follow-up. This case highlights the challenges in managing coronary stent loss including risk factors for stent dislodgement, methods to retrieve the stent, and the risk of stent embolization.

"Complete Venous Shutdown:" A Rare Case of Combined Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Occlusion.

Independently, superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion and inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion are usually seen in the setting of SVC syndrome and iliocaval venous obstruction (ICVO), respectively. Concomitant occlusion of the SVC and IVC is rare and most commonly seen in the setting of malignancy or other hypercoagulable states. Venous hypertension can lead to the formation of "downhill" varices in the esophagus and can be a rare source of gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a rare case of combined SVC and IVC occlusion and its management.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Anticoagulating an Adolescent with Post-Tonsillectomy Massive PE: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVES: To report a case of a morbidly obese 17-year-old boy who presented 4 days post-tonsillectomy with acute deep venous thromboses and a massive pulmonary embolism. To describe a protocol and decision-making tree for providing anticoagulation in the immediate post-tonsillectomy period. METHODS: A chart review and review of the literature. RESULTS: The patient ultimately did well and had no bleeding from the tonsil beds or further thromboembolic complications. A review of the literature revealed no available data regarding the safety of anticoagulation in the immediate post-tonsillectomy period. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that if anticoagulation is needed within 14 days of tonsillectomy, submaximal anticoagulation with a reversible and titratable anticoagulant may be optimal. A multidisciplinary team approach is needed for these complex cases. Future reporting and investigation of anticoagulation post-tonsillectomy is needed.