Treatment outcomes in patients with acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to investigate the treatment outcomes of acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (ATOS) and identify prognostic factors after treatment. METHODS: The clinical data of 62 patients with ATOS between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified by the treatment strategy, complications and mortality were compared in different group. RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive patients were identified with ATOS. The median patient age was 69 years (interquartile range 58-79 years). Endovascular therapy was initiated in 21 patients, and 4 patients received conservative treatment. Open surgery was performed first in the remaining 37 patients. The technical success rates of the endovascular first group and open surgery group were 90.5% and 97.3%, respectively. One patient in the conservative treatment group had progression of ischemia to extensive bowel necrosis. There was no difference in 30-day mortality between these groups. Predictors of 30-day mortality included initial neutrophil count > 12* 103/dL, age over 60 years old and history of chronic renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment or conservative treatment may be adopted in selected patients who do not exhibit signs and symptoms of bowel necrosis, and close monitoring for bowel necrosis is important. The increase in preoperative neutrophil count, age over 60 years old and history of chronic renal insufficiency were poor prognostic factors.

[Multiorgan Thromboembolism due to Thrombus in the Remnant Superior Pulmonary Vein After Left Upper Division Segmentectomy:Report of a Case].

A 67 years old male had underwent left upper division segmentectomy. On the sixth day after surgery, he had developed unconsciousness, aphasia and unilateral spatial neglect. Brain MRI revealed a cerebral infarction, and percutaneous cerebral thrombectomy was performed. Enhanced computed tomography revealed thrombus formation in the remnant superior pulmonary vein (SPV), left renal infarction and right acute limb ischemia. After starting anticoagulant therapy with apixaban the thrombus reduced and neurological symptoms improved. A thrombus in the SPV may cause serious whole body organ infarction in the same way as a left atrial thrombus. It was suggested that left upper division segmentectomy was associated with the risk of remnant pulmonary vein thrombosis.

Impact of ABO-blood group type on haemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications after resection of intracranial meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested an impact of the ABO-blood group type on thromboembolic and haemorrhagic events following trauma and surgical procedures. However, only limited data are available on the impact of ABO-blood group types in neurosurgical patients. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the role of the ABO-blood group type on the frequency of thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications in patients treated surgically for intracranial meningiomas at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the medical records of consecutive patients undergoing resection of intracranial meningiomas at our institution during a period of 12.5 years (2006-2018). Clinical characteristics, modalities of surgical treatment, histopathological results and the postoperative course of patients were analysed with specific focus on ABO-blood group typing results, need for transfusion of blood products, events of postoperative thromboembolism and intracranial re-haemorrhage requiring surgical revision, as well as in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,782 patients were included in this study. Based on the ABO-blood group type, patients were subdivided into four categories, corresponding to their ABO-blood group: Blood group A (n = 773; 43%); blood group B (n = 222; 12%); blood group AB (n = 88; 5%); and blood group O (n = 699; 39%). Intracranial re-haemorrhage requiring re-craniotomy and haematoma evacuation occurred in a total of 49 patients (2.7%). Thromboembolic events such as pulmonary embolism occurred in a total of 27 patients (1.5%). Statistical analysis showed no significant differences regarding the ABO-blood group type in patients suffering from re-haemorrhage or thromboembolism compared with patients with uneventful course after surgery. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 0.17% (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a lack of relevance of the ABO-blood group type regarding haemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing neurosurgical meningioma resection.

Successful Pediatric Mechanical Thrombectomy for HeartMate 3-Related Intracranial Thromboembolism.

Thromboembolic events post left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) implantation remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of pediatric intracranial thromboembolic events have been reported in LVADs, but never following HeartMate 3 (HM3) implantation. We present the case of an 8-year-old, 26.5 kg male with dilated cardiomyopathy and decompensated heart failure who presented with extensive intracranial thromboembolism in the early postoperative period following HM3 implantation and underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy with a favorable neurological outcome.

Reverse remodeling of tricuspid valve morphology and function in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients following pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and invasive hemodynamic study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate changes in tricuspid annulus (TA) and tricuspid valve (TV) morphology among chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients before and 12 months after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) and compare these findings to normal control subjects. METHODS: 20 CTEPH patients and 20 controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were examined with echocardiography, right heart catherization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging prior to PEA and 12 months after. RESULTS: Right atrium (RA) volume was significantly reduced from baseline to 12 months after PEA (30 ± 9 vs 23 ± 5 ml/m2, p < 0.005). TA annular area in systole remained unchanged (p = 0.11) and was comparable to controls. The leaflet area, tenting volume and tenting height in systole were significantly increased at baseline but decreased significantly with comparable values to controls after 12 months (p < 0.005). There was correlation between the changes of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling and changes of TV tenting height (r = - 0.54, p = 0.02), TV tenting volume (r = - 0.73, p < 0.001) and TV leaflet area (- 0.57, p = 0.01) from baseline to 12 months after PEA. Tricuspid regurgitation jet area/RA area was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced from baseline (30 ± 13%) to 12 months after PEA (9 ± 10%). CONCLUSION: In CTEPH patients selected for PEA, TV tenting height, volume and valve area are significantly increased whereas annulus size and shape are less affected. The alterations in TV morphology are fully reversed after PEA and correlates to improvements of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling.

Acute myocardial infarction and arterial embolism in a patient with newly diagnosed renal mass: management dilemmas! A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is often associated with a hypercoagulable state and new thrombosis is often the first clinical manifestation of cancer. Surgical treatment of the primary tumor is crucial since it provides the only curative approach in most cases, but management of patients is highly complex, especially in the presence of new antiplatelet drugs and/or anticoagulants. Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) represent a frequent complication of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and include different hematological symptoms in patients, whilst occlusion of arterial blood vessels displays a rare form of PNS accompanying renal tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 62-year old man who was initially hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome. He subsequently underwent coronary angioplasty treatment including multiple stenting and treatment with ticagrelor and aspirin. Post-interventional, acute arterial thrombotic emboli of several limb arteries required thrombectomy. By computer tomography we identified a renal lesion suspicious for an RCC and suspected a PNS as underlying cause of the thrombotic complications. Triple anticoagulant therapy was maintained with therapeutic dose low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), aspirin, and clopidogrel, by which we replaced ticagrelor. Surgery was postponed for 4 weeks. We paused LMWH, aspirin and clopidogrel only at the day of surgery and perioperatively restored hemostasis by transfusion of two platelet concentrates. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was uneventful. Pathology confirmed a clear cell RCC. The patient fully recovered whilst slowly reducing anticoagulation dose. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary team approach of experts in urology, cardiology and hemostasis was key in managing this patient since a personalized thrombosis consult was needed to minimize the risk of reinfarction due to in-stent thrombosis. We report a therapeutic protocol that may be helpful for the management of similar cases. Furthermore, the finding of thrombotic arterial occlusions in larger blood vessels represents a novel complication of PNS in RCC and adds to the varied possible manifestations of this clinical chameleon.

A case report of acute Leriche syndrome: aortoiliac occlusive disease due to embolization from left ventricular thrombus caused by myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Leriche syndrome is the triad of symptoms consisting of claudication, erectile dysfunction, and absence of femoral pulses. Inflammatory disease of the heart muscle, myocarditis, may occur because of immune system activation, drug exposure or infections. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old man with no previous medical history presented to the emergency department with acute back pain that had started suddenly during weightlifting, which was initially misdiagnosed as spinal disc herniation. The patient returned four hours later and a thoracoabdominal computed tomography showed a large thrombus in the aortoiliac region creating a total occlusion. Vascular surgery with embolectomy was immediately performed. Further investigation with echocardiography revealed deteriorated systolic dysfunction with marked hypokinesia and two large thrombi in the left ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed late contrast enhancement of the inferolateral and septal regions, which indicated a recent myocarditis. CONCLUSION: Myocarditis can result in multiple embolization with diverse organ manifestation including total occlusion of the aortoiliac arteries, which required urgent embolectomy.

Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation causing acute embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery: A case report.

RATIONALE: Postoperative atrial fibrillation following noncardiac surgery increases mortality, length of hospital stay, and medical expenses; moreover, compared to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, it poses a similar risk of thromboembolic complications. In this report, we discuss our decision-making process for diagnosis and treatment in case with unexpected postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation causing acute mesenteric ischemia. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 78-year-old male patient received varicose vein stripping and ligation in his right leg. The patient was previously healthy with no known comorbidities. The next day after surgery, he complained of sudden epigastric pain unresponsive to conservative treatment, and new-onset atrial fibrillation was observed on electrocardiography. DIAGNOSES: An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed acute embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. INTERVENTIONS: Emergent surgical embolectomy was performed successfully. The time to operation from the recognition of abdominal pain was 6 h. Surgical critical care was performed for life-threatening ischemic reperfusion injury. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 40th postoperative day. LESSONS: Atypical postoperative abdominal pain unresponsive to conservative treatment should be considered a surgical emergency, and a high level of clinical suspicion for acute mesenteric ischemia is required. Preoperative electrocardiography and postoperative telemetry might be helpful in some asymptomatic patients.

Histopathologic Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients With Peripheral Arterial Thromboembolism: Does Clot Composition Make Any Sense?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes thromboembolic complications during or post-infection period despite a lack of conventional risk factors. The study aims to learn fundamental changes in COVID-19 patients who underwent embolectomy in terms of clinical characteristics and clot composition. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study design, we evaluated 21 patients who underwent embolectomy in our clinic between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Demographics, characteristics, and laboratory values were abstracted and analyzed. Histopathological assessment was held in the pathology department. RESULTS: Of these 21 patients, 11 (52.3%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive and 10 (47.6%) were SARS-CoV-2 negative. There is no statistical difference in terms of anatomic distribution, diagnostic method, length of hospital stay, amputation or mortality levels. Thromboembolic material of COVID-19 patients include significantly less red blood cell (RBC) (21.2-32.6%; P= 0.01), more lymphocyte (14.1-2.6%; P< 0.001), and more leukocyte (27.1-22.1%; P= 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the fibrin ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory cells are prominent in arterial thromboembolic material of COVID-19 patients. A combination of hyperinflammation and prothrombotic status may be responsible for this phenomenon.

Association between clot composition and stroke origin in mechanical thrombectomy patients: analysis of the Stroke Thromboembolism Registry of Imaging and Pathology.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively evaluated the composition of retrieved clots from ischemic stroke patients to study the association between histological composition and stroke etiology METHODS: Consecutive patients enrolled in the Stroke Thromboembolism Registry of Imaging and Pathology (STRIP) were included in this study. All patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy and retrieved clots were sent to a central core lab for processing. Histological analysis was performed using martius scarlet blue (MSB) staining, and quantification for red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), fibrin and platelets was performed using Orbit Image Software. A Wilcoxon test was used for continuous variables and χ2 test for categorical variables. RESULTS: 1350 patients were included in this study. The overall rate of Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2c/3 was 68%. 501 patients received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (37%). 267 patients (20%) had a large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) source, 662 (49%) a cardioembolic (CE) source, 301 (22%) were cryptogenic, and the remainder had other identifiable sources including hypercoagulable state or dissection. LAA thrombi had a higher mean RBC density (46±23% vs 42±22%, p=0.01) and a lower platelet density (24±18% vs 27±18%, p=0.03) than CE thrombi. Clots from dissection patients had the highest mean RBC density (50±24%) while clots from patients with a hypercoagulable state had the lowest mean RBC density (26±21%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found statistically significant but clinically insignificant differences between clots of CE and LAA etiologies. Future studies should emphasize molecular, proteomic and immunohistochemical characteristics to determine links between clot composition and etiology.

Systemic thromboembolism including multiple cerebral infarctions with middle cerebral artery occlusion caused by the progression of adenomyosis with benign gynecological tumor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Adenomyosis, a benign gynecological disease, causes cerebral infarction. Similar to Trousseau's syndrome, it elevates cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and D-dimer levels; causes hypercoagulability; and results in cerebral infarction. However, no case of adenomyosis causing major cerebral artery occlusion and requiring endovascular thrombectomy has yet been reported. We report on a woman with middle cerebral artery occlusion caused by adenomyosis progression with a benign gynecological tumor and recurrent cerebral infarction. She was successfully treated by endovascular thrombectomy and hysterectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old woman with heavy uterine bleeding was transported by ambulance to our hospital. Upon arrival, she presented with impaired consciousness. Laboratory test results revealed decreased hemoglobin (8.2 g/dL) and elevated D-dimer (79.3 µg/mL) levels. Radiological imaging revealed adenomyosis, a left ovarian tumor, multiple uterine myomas, and old and new bilateral renal infarctions. She experienced repeated episodes of excessive menstruation caused by adenomyosis and was scheduled for hysterectomy in 2 months at another hospital. After hospital admission, uterine bleeding stopped. However, 5 days after initial bleeding, she had another episode of heavy uterine bleeding and developed left hemiparesis and dysarthria 20 min later. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral multiple cerebral infarctions indicating right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Thus, endovascular thrombectomy was performed, and anticoagulant therapy was administered. Laboratory test results after thrombectomy revealed elevated CA125 (3536 U/mL) and CA19-9 (892 U/mL) levels. She was at a risk of recurrent heavy uterine bleeding leading to repeated cerebral infarction because of anticoagulant treatment. Therefore, we performed hysterectomy and ovariectomy 11 days after initial bleeding. Histopathological assessment revealed no malignancy. Although she developed asymptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism 14 days after initial bleeding, D-dimer and tumor marker levels returned to normal soon after gynecological surgery. At 15 months post-surgery, she had not experienced further ischemic events. CONCLUSIONS: Adenomyosis with benign gynecological tumors may be associated with elevated D-dimer and tumor marker levels; excessive menstruation; and anemia. It may cause systemic thromboembolism, including cerebral infarction. To our knowledge, no other study has reported that adenomyosis causes major cerebral artery occlusion requiring endovascular thrombectomy. Hysterectomy may be an effective radical treatment of this condition.

Asymptomatic thrombosis of extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm necessitating hybrid operative repair.

BACKGROUND: Congenital portal vein aneurysm is a rare vascular anomaly with poorly understood natural history. Whereas asymptomatic aneurysms are often managed conservatively, surgery has been used in symptomatic cases complicated by thrombosis or rupture. Surgical experience in management of portal aneurysms is restricted to case studies with limited comparative data and inconsistent reporting of outcomes. A hybrid open and endovascular approach has rarely been described in the literature. METHODS: We present a case of an extrahepatic portal aneurysm which demonstrated changes on surveillance imaging concerning for early asymptomatic thrombosis. Acute thrombus was identified at the time of open aneurysm repair. We review the limited literature regarding management of portal vein aneurysms in non-cirrhotic patients. RESULTS: Our case was complicated by intrahepatic thrombo-embolism, which necessitated hybrid thrombectomy and anticoagulant therapy. The patient remains asymptomatic at three-year follow-up with no recurrent aneurysm or thrombosis on surveillance Doppler and CT imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Altered hemodynamic appearances on Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT may warn of impending thrombosis in portal vein aneurysms. Hybrid open and endovascular surgical repair ensures vessel patency and a durable surgical result.

Percutaneous approaches for retrieval of an embolized or malpositioned left atrial appendage closure device: A multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Experience with retrieval of a Watchman left atrial (LA) appendage (LAA) closure device (WD) is limited. An embolized or grossly malpositioned WD warrants retrieval to minimize the risk of thromboembolic complications and vascular occlusion. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report approaches for percutaneous retrieval of a WD from multicenter experience. METHODS: Data on successful WD retrievals were obtained from high-volume operators. Data included clinical characteristics; structural characteristics of the LA and LAA; and procedural details of the deployment and retrieval procedure, type of retrieval (immediate: during the same procedure; delayed: during a separate procedure after the successful deployment), equipment used, complications, and postretrieval management. RESULTS: Ten successful percutaneous and 1 surgical retrievals comprised this study. Seven patients had immediate retrieval, while 4 had delayed retrieval. The median duration before delayed retrieval was 45 days (range 1-45 days). The median LAA diameter and size of a successfully deployed WD was 16 mm (range 14-24 mm) and 21 mm (range 21-30 mm), respectively. A WD was retrieved from the LA (n = 1), LAA (n = 2), left ventricle (n = 2), and aorta (n = 6). The reason for retrieval from the LAA was inadequate deployment, resulting in a significant peri-device leak. Retrieval from the LA or LAA was successfully performed using snares (n = 2) and a Raptor grasping device (n = 1). Retrieval from the left ventricle was achieved with a snare (n = 1) and surgery (n = 1). Retrieval from the aorta required snares (n = 5) and retrieval forceps (n = 1). Five patients were successfully reimplanted with a larger size WD. The only complication during percutaneous retrieval was a pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSION: Retrieval of an embolized or malpositioned WD is feasible, and familiarity with snares and grasping tools can facilitate a successful removal.

Surgical embolectomy in a cat with cardiogenic aortic thromboembolism.

A seven-year-old, spayed female, domestic longhair cat was referred for management of a sudden aortic thromboembolism (ATE). Echocardiography showed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe left atrial enlargement. Ultrasonography of the abdominal aorta confirmed a large thrombus at the level of the aortic trifurcation, involving both iliac arteries. Considering the recent onset and bilateral involvement of the iliac arteries, the cat underwent emergent surgical embolectomy (SE) of the aortoiliac embolus. A standard caudal celiotomy was performed and the abdominal aorta was identified. Vessel loops with tourniquets were placed around the abdominal aorta proximal to the thrombus and on both iliac arteries distal to the thrombus. A full-thickness incision was made in the ventral surface of the aorta. The aortic thromboembolus was removed. The trifurcation was subsequently flushed with sterile saline. The SE resulted in a good outcome, with both clinical and ultrasound signs of complete reperfusion of the rear limbs within a few hours. Long-term treatment included antiplatelet drugs, furosemide and benazepril. Eighteen months after surgery, the cat was free of clinical signs, without recurrence of ATE or congestive heart failure. Based on the present case, SE could be considered as a feasible alternative to traditional conservative treatment in cats with a very recent onset of bilateral ATE.

Vertebral artery aneurysms and the risk of cord infarction following spinal artery coverage during flow diversion.

OBJECTIVE: Coverage of the anterior spinal artery (ASA) ostia is a source of considerable consternation regarding flow diversion (FD) in vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms due to cord supply. The authors sought to assess the association between coverage of the ASA, posterior spinal artery (PSA), or lateral spinal artery (LSA) ostia when placing flow diverters in distal VAs and clinical outcomes, with emphasis on cord infarction. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study of 7 institutions in which VA aneurysms were treated with FD between 2011 and 2019 was performed. The authors evaluated the risk of ASA and PSA/LSA occlusion, associated thromboembolic complication, complications overall, aneurysm occlusion status, and functional outcome. RESULTS: Sixty patients with 63 VA and posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms treated with FD were identified. The median aneurysm diameter was 7 mm and fusiform type was the commonest morphology (42.9%). During a procedure, 1 (61.7%) or 2 (33.3%) flow diverters were placed. Complete occlusion was achieved in 71.9%. Symptomatic thromboembolic complications occurred in 7.4% of cases and intracranial hemorrhage in 10.0% of cases. The ASA and PSA/LSA were identified in 51 (80.9%) and 35 (55.6%) complications and covered by the flow diverter in 29 (56.9%) and 13 (37.1%) of the procedures, respectively. Patency after flow diverter coverage on last follow-up was 89.2% for ASA and 100% for PSA/LSA, not significantly different between covered and noncovered groups (p = 0.5 and p > 0.99, respectively). No complications arose from coverage. CONCLUSIONS: FD aneurysm treatment in the posterior circulation with coverage of ASA or PSA/LSA was not associated with higher rates of occlusion of these branches or any instances of cord infarction.

Fibrinogen Concentrate to Cardiac Surgery Patients with Ongoing Bleeding does not Increase the Risk of Thromboembolic Complications or Death.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether fibrinogen concentrate administration to bleeding patients is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications and death. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent first-time cardiac surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital from 2009 to 2014 were included. Patients, who had received fibrinogen concentrate, were compared with those who had not received fibrinogen concentrate. The primary endpoint was a composite of thromboembolic complications and death within 1 year after surgery. Secondary endpoints included the composite and mortality within 30 days and mortality within 1 year after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to compare the groups. Propensity score (PS)-matched models were used for sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: A total of 5,408 patients were included in the present study, of which 564 (10.4%) received fibrinogen concentrate. The composite endpoint occurred in 3.5% of patients at 30 days and 10.5% at 1 year. There was no significant difference between the groups in the composite endpoint at 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-1.46, p = 0.45) or in the secondary endpoints, that is, mortality at 1 year (adjusted HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.93-2.04, p = 0.11), composite at 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.64-1.81, p = 0.79) and mortality at 30 days (adjusted OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.51-1.96, p = 0.50). The results of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with those of main analyses. CONCLUSION: Perioperative administration of fibrinogen concentrate to bleeding cardiac surgery patients is not associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications or death.