Successful pharmaco-invasive approach using a lower alteplase dose and VA-ECMO support in high-risk pulmonary embolism: case report.

Despite the elevated mortality rates associated with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), this condition remains understudied. Data regarding the effectiveness and safety of invasive therapies such as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in this patient population remains controversial. Here, we present the case of a 61-year-old male with high-risk PE associated with refractory cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock who underwent a combination of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation with VA-ECMO and pharmaco-invasive therapy (mechanical thrombi fragmentation plus lower alteplase dose), resulting in successful pulmonary reperfusion. After a prolonged in-hospital stay, the patient was discharged in stable condition.

Technical Aspects of Penumbra Indigo Lightning Flash System for Mechanical Thrombectomy of Pulmonary Embolism: A Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the technical aspects of the novel Penumbra Indigo Lightning Flash System (Penumbra, Inc.) for mechanical thrombectomy of pulmonary embolism (PE). TECHNIQUE: The novel Penumbra Lightning Flash catheter is a 16 French (F) sheath-compatible device designed for advanced thrombectomy, especially in the pulmonary arteries. This device has large thrombus burden removal capacity; however, technical nuances are necessary to accomplish more with efficacy pulmonary embolism management. Access sites, pulmonary arteries catheterization technique, thrombectomy device navigation and mechanism of action are described thoroughly. CONCLUSION: Penumbra Indigo Lightning Flash system for mechanical thrombectomy as other catheter-directed treatments (CDTs) represents a major advance in contemporary PE management. With favorable safety profile and efficacy, CDTs have become an integral component of the multidisciplinary approach to PE care. CLINICAL IMPACT: The article highlights the Penumbra Indigo Lightning Flash System as a significant advancement in mechanical thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism (PE). By detailing technical aspects and procedural nuances, it supports clinicians for improvement in endovascular PE management. The system's integration into multidisciplinary care represents a major step forward, providing an effective alternative to traditional therapies, particularly for high-risk PE patients. This innovation promises to enhance patient outcomes in contemporary PE management.

Right-Sided Cardiac Thrombosis and Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Chronic Chagas Disease: A Review of Clinical Features and Post-Mortem Examination.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is a potential major complication in patients with chronic Chagas heart disease (CChD). The source of PE is the right-sided chambers instead of deep vein thrombosis. Little is known regarding risk factors, clinical picture, and the clinical course of patients with PE secondary to CChD. The aim of this review was to try to provide doctors with such data. We searched for papers related to PE in CChD patients in the PUBMED from 1955 to 2020. Twenty-six manuscripts were retrieved, of which 12 fulfilled entry criteria and were included in the study. Right-sided cardiac thrombosis or PE was confirmed on morphological or imaging studies. A total of 431 patients with PE were reported. Age varied from 30 to 85 years. About 332 patients were reported to have chronic heart failure (CHF), whereas 41 (9%) sudden cardiac death (SCD) at autopsy. Clinical manifestations reported were sudden onset dyspnea was found in 1 patient, haemoptysis in 2, worsening CHF in 2, and chest pain in 1. An X-ray chest was reported for 6 patients: abnormalities consistent with PE were found in 3. The resting electrocardiogram (ECG) was reported for 5 patients: it was abnormal in all. One study reported a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 42.1 ± 18.7%. The prevalence of right-sided cardiac thrombosis varied from 66% to 85% patients. PE was the cause of death in 17% of patients. The clinical diagnosis of PE in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChCM) is very difficult in the absence of a prediction score that performs well. However, in the presence of haemoptysis or worsening heart failure (HF), abnormal ECG, or chest X-ray, the diagnosis of PE should be raised, and patients promptly referred to detailed Doppler Tissue Echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, and treated in a timely manner.

Bariatric and general surgical procedures in obese patients with a history of venous thromboembolism and concurrent anticoagulation therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the use and outcomes of perioperative anticoagulation (AC) in obese patients with a known history of venous thromboembolism event (VTE). METHOD: A retrospective review of a prospective database for patients with a VTE history undergoing bariatric and general surgery at a single center (1/2008-12/2017) was performed. Factors assessed included demographics, surgical details, and outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients underwent 76 procedures: 46 females (71%); mean age 51 years (range 26-73), mean weight 284 pounds (range 110-558), mean body mass index 45 (range 19-87). Comorbidities include hypertension (60%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (54%), osteoarthritis (49%), obstructive sleep apnea (45%), and diabetes (37%). Operations: 22 general surgeries (29%), 20 sleeve gastrectomies (26%), 12 revisions/conversions (16%), 12 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (16%), and 10 gastric bands (13%). Modalities: 67% laparoscopic, 28% robotic, and 5% open. Twenty-two patients (34%) had a pre-operative inferior vena cava filter placed with no complications. The mean length of stay was 4.4 days (range 1-31). Complications: seven 30-day readmissions (9%), one 30-day reoperation (1%), and two 90-day VTEs (3%). Thirty-day readmissions: four for inability to tolerate PO, two for small bowel obstruction, and one for symptomatic anastomotic ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients, post-operative AC could be started without an increased risk of bleeding in patients with a history of VTE undergoing bariatric surgery.

OBJETIVO: Examinar el uso y los resultados de la anticoagulación perioperatoria en pacientes bariátricos con antecedentes de tromboembolia venosa (TEV). MÉTODO: Revisión retrospectiva (base de datos prospectiva) de pacientes sometidos a cirugía general y bariátrica (1/2008-12/2017). Se evaluaron datos demográficos, detalles quirúrgicos y resultados. RESULTADOS: Sesenta y cinco pacientes se sometieron a 76 procedimientos: 46 mujeres (71%), edad media 51 años (rango: 26-73), peso medio 284 libras (rango: 110-558), índice de masa corporal medio 45 (rango: 19-87). Comorbilidad: hipertensión (60%), enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (54%), osteoartritis (49%), apnea obstructiva del sueño (45%), diabetes (37%). Operaciones: 22 cirugía general (29%), 20 gastrectomías en manga (26%), 12 revisiones/conversiones (16%), 12 Y-de-Roux (16%), 10 bandas gástricas (13%). Modalidades: 67% laparoscópica, 28% robótica, 5% abierta. A 22 pacientes (34%) se les colocó un filtro de vena cava inferior preoperatorio sin complicaciones. La estancia media fue de 4.4 días (rango: 1-31). Complicaciones: 7 reingresos a los 30 días (9%), 1 reoperación a los 30 días (1%), 2 TEV a los 90 días (3%). Reingresos a los 30 días: 4 por incapacidad para tolerar la vía oral, 2 obstrucciones de intestino delgado y 1 úlcera anastomótica sintomática. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestros casos, la anticoagulación posoperatoria pudo iniciarse sin aumento del riesgo de sangrado en pacientes con antecedentes de TVE sometidos a cirugía bariátrica.

Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Adherence to Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients in Uruguay: First Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious, frequent, and preventable medical complication in hospitalized patients. Although the efficacy of prophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical) has been demonstrated, compliance with prophylaxis is poor at international and national levels. AIM: To determine the indication and use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients in Uruguay. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study involving 31 nationwide healthcare facilities was conducted. Baseline characteristics associated with hospital admission, the percentage of the population with an indication for thromboprophylaxis, and the percentage of patients receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis were assessed. The VTE risk was determined using the Padua score for medical patients; the Caprini score for surgical patients; the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines for pregnant-postpartum patients. RESULTS: 1925 patients were included, representing 26% of hospitalized patients in Uruguay. 71.9% of all patients were at risk of VTE. Of all patients at risk of VTE, 58.6% received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. The reasons for not receiving thromboprophylaxis were prescribing omissions in 16.1% of cases, contraindication in 15.9% and 9.4% of patients were already anticoagulated for other reasons. Overall, just 68% of patients were "protected" against VTE. Recommendations of major thromboprophylaxis guidelines were followed in 70.1% of patients at risk. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the progress made in adherence to thromboprophylaxis indications, nonadherence remains a problem, affecting one in six patients at risk of VTE in Uruguay.

Thrombosis of the vasa vasorum of the large and medium size pulmonary artery and vein leads to pulmonary thromboembolism in COVID-19.

The vasa vasorum of the large pulmonary vessels is involved in the pathology of COVID-19. This specialized microvasculature plays a major role in the biology and pathology of the pulmonary vessel walls. We have evidence that thrombosis of the vasa vasorum of the large and medium-sized pulmonary vessels during severe COVID-19 causes ischemia and subsequent death of the pulmonary vasculature endothelium. Subsequent release of thrombi from the vasa interna into the pulmonary circulation and pulmonary embolism generated at the ischemic pulmonary vascular endothelium site, are the central pathophysiological mechanisms in COVID-19 responsible for pulmonary thromboembolism. The thrombosis of the vasa vasorum of the large and medium-sized pulmonary vessels is an internal event leading to pulmonary thromboembolism in COVID-19.

Síndrome antifosfolipídico trombótico en una mujer con enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo. Reporte de caso / Thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome in a woman with mixed connective tissue disease. Case report

Introducción: El síndrome de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos es una enfermedad au-toinmune sistémica poco frecuente, produce hipercoagulabilidad con riesgo de trombosis. Para el diagnóstico se utilizan los criterios ACR/EULAR APS del 2023. El tratamiento es anticoagulantes y antiagregantes plaquetarios. La enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo es enfermedad autoinmunitaria sistémica con la asociación de manifestaciones clínicas de otras entidades autoinmunes. Objetivo:Describir la presentación de dos enfermedades sistémicas autoinmunes poco frecuentes en conjunto, con el propósito de contribuir con un enfoque prác-tico para el diagnóstico y manejo. Presentación del caso: Se describe una paciente de 37 años que presentó un episodio de tromboembolia pulmonar secundario a síndrome de anticuerpos anti-fosfolípidos y en los 6 meses previos tuvo síntomas compatibles con enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo. Discusión: La presencia de dos entidades autoinmunes, síndrome de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos y enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo presentadas en conjunto y cuyo debut de complicaciones fue una tromboembolia pulmonar, encontrándo-se presencia de múltiples autoanticuerpos positivos entre estas anticuerpos an-tifosfolipídicos y anti-U1 snRNP, es un reto diagnóstico al diferenciar entre otras enfermedades del tejido conectivo como lupus eritematoso sistémico, esclerosis sistémica cutánea, enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo y artritis reumatoide. El tratamiento se basó en las características del paciente y su condición clínica al momento del diagnóstico. Conclusiones: El síndrome de anticuerpos antifosfolipídicos conlleva la presencia de un episodio trombótico, por otro lado, su asociación con una enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo es poco frecuente y puede aumentar su morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a rare systemic autoimmu-ne disease that produces Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a rare systemic autoimmune disease that causes hypercoagulability with risk of thrombosis. For diagnosis, the ACR/EULAR APS 2023 criteria are used. Treatment is anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.Mixed connective tissue disease is a systemic autoimmune disease with the asso-ciation of clinical manifestations of other autoimmune entities.Objective:To describe the presentation of two rare autoimmune systemic diseases toge-ther, with the purpose of contributing a practical approach to diagnosis and management.Case presentation: 37-year-old patient with an episode of pulmonary thromboem-bolism secondary to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and in the previous 6 months he had symptoms compatible with mixed connective tissue disease.Discussion:The presence of two autoimmune entities, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease presented together and whose de-but of complications was a pulmonary thromboembolism, finding the presence of multiple positive autoantibodies between these antiphospholipid antibodies and an-ti-U1 snRNP, is a diagnostic challenge in differentiating between other connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, cutaneous systemic sclero-sis, mixed connective tissue disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment was based on the patient's characteristics and clinical condition at the time of diagnosis.Conclusions: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome entails the presence of a thrombotic episode; on the other hand, its association with a mixed connective tissue disease is rare and may increase its morbidity and mortality.

Synchronous pneumothorax and venous thromboembolism after body contouring surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Lipoabdominoplasty is one of the most common abdominal body contouring procedures performed today; however, it carries the risk of significant complications. Pneumothorax is a rare complication of liposuction, while, venous thromboembolism has a low short-term mortality and long-term morbidity. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 57-year-old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and severe COVID-19 three years earlier. The patient underwent 360-degree liposuction and abdominoplasty. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient developed a right pneumothorax and followed by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which were diagnosed and treated early. After six months of follow-up, the patient presented a complete recovery. DISCUSSION: Pneumothorax is recognized as a rare complication of liposuction and has been limited to case reports and small case series in the medical literature with an incidence of 0.04 %. In plastic and aesthetic surgery, body contouring procedures such as lipoabdominoplasty are associated with a risk of DVT and PE of 0.2-0.6 %, and 0.3 %, respectively. In addition, we believe that performing combined aesthetic procedures may increase the risk of complications. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of pneumothorax, DVT and PE after body contouring surgery. We highlight the importance of awareness of these complications and the need for a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and treatment, which is critical for patient survival.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 at Quaternary Hospital Running Head: Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 are at greater risk of pulmonary embolism. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the monthly prevalence of pulmonary embolism diagnosed by angiotomography and mortality between March 2020 and May 2021 in more than 6000 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at a single institution. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted with evaluated medical records the patients hospitalized at the institution who developed pulmonary embolism determined by angiotomography. Monthly and overall mortality rates between March 2020 and May 2021 in this population were evaluated. Results: A total of 6040 patients were hospitalized in this period, 203 of whom (3.36%) had an angiotomographic diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and 119 of these patients (58.62%) died. The largest number of patients with pulmonary embolism occurred in the periods from July to September 2020 and March to May 2021. No significant difference was found between mortality and the two peaks of the pandemic (p = 0.9, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism is associated a higher mortality rate among patients with COVID-19. Therefore, one of the strategies is an emphasis on the prevention of thrombotic and embolic events.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of venous thromboembolic disease between outpatient and inpatient management.

Objectives: To compare the occurrence of death, bleeding, and recurrence according to inpatient or outpatient management of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). Materials and methods: . Retrospective cohort that included a consecutive sampling of VTE consultations between 2016 and 2019 diagnosed in the Emergency Center of a private hospital in Argentina. Results: There were 1202 cases, 908 with isolated deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 205 with isolated pulmonary embolism (PE), and 89 cases of combined DVT - PE. 66% were women, with a median age of 77 years; 72% of cases were managed on an outpatient basis (n= 862). Comorbidities associated with hospitalization were obesity (p=0.03), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.01), heart failure (CHF) (p=0.01), chronic renal failure (CKD) (p=0.01), and cancer (p=0.01). At 90 days, the cumulative incidence of bleeding was 2.6% in inpatient compared to 2.9% in outpatient management (p=0.81); recurrence was 0% versus 0.9% (p=0.07), and mortality was 42.9% versus 18.9%, respectively (p=0.01). The HR for 90-day mortality in hospitalized patients adjusted for confounders (sex, age, type of VTE, obesity, CKD, CHF, COPD, and cancer) was 1.99 (95% CI 1.49-2.64; p=0.01). Conclusions: In this elderly, and predominantly female Argentine population, the 90-day mortality in patients hospitalized for VTE was higher than mortality in patients with outpatient management, without differences in recurrence or major bleeding.

Evaluation of Pan-Immuno-Inflammation Value for In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism Patients

ABSTRACT Background: Pan-immuno-inflammation value is a new and comprehensive index that reflects both the immune response and systemic inflammation in the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of pan-immuno-inflammation value in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism patients and to compare it with the well-known risk scoring system, pulmonay embolism severity index, which is commonly used for a short-term mortality prediction in such patients. Methods: In total, 373 acute pulmonary embolism patients diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography were included in the study. Detailed cardiac evaluation of each patient was performed and pulmonary embolism severity index and pan-immuno-inflammation value were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients died during their hospital stay. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline heart rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, pan-immuno-inflammation value, and pulmonary embolism severity index were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonay embolism patients. When comparing with pulmonary embolism severity index, pan-immuno-inflammation value was non-inferior in terms of predicting the survival status in patients with acute pulmonay embolism. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the PIV was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonay embolism patients and was non-inferior to the pulmonary embolism severity index. (Rev Invest Clin. 2024;76(2):97-102)

The paradigm shift in treatment of severe venous thromboembolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death and the main cause of preventable in-hospital death in the world. The PERT® (Pulmonary Embolism Response Team) concept involves multidisciplinary diagnosis and immediate treatment. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the initial cause of most cases of PE and is responsible for complications such as chronic thromboembolic recurrence, postthrombotic syndrome, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. An aggressive approach to severe cases of iliofemoral DVT similar to the PERT® system can not only reduce the immediate risk of PE and death but can also reduce later sequelae. New percutaneous techniques and mechanical thrombectomy devices for venous thromboembolism (VTE) have shown encouraging clinical results. We propose the development of an expanded concept of rapid response to VTE, which involves not only PE (PERT®) but also severe cases of DVT: the Venous Thromboembolism Response Team (VTERT®).

Embolismo por metacrilato luego de vertebroplastia percutánea. ¿Podemos mejorar la seguridad del paciente? / Methacrylate embolism after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Can we improve patient safety?

Se presenta un caso de embolismo pulmonar luego de vertebroplastia, realizada por fractura vertebral por osteoporosis. El embolismo se confirmó por métodos complementarios. Se sugiere atención a los síntomas respiratorios y radiografía de tórax posterior a la vertobroplastia a los efectos de mejorar la seguridad del paciente luego del procedimiento

A case of pulmonary embolism is presented after vertebroplasty, performed for a vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis. Embolism was confirmed by complementary methods. Attention to respiratory symptoms and a chest x-ray after vertobroplasty are suggested in order to improve patient safety after the procedure.

Evaluation of pan-Immuno-Inflammation value for In-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism patients.

Background: Pan-immuno-inflammation value (PIV) is a new and comprehensive index that reflects both the immune response and systemic inflammation in the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of PIV in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients and to compare it with the well-known risk scoring system, PE severity index (PESI), which is commonly used for a short-term mortality prediction in such patients. Methods: In total, 373 acute PE patients diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography were included in the study. Detailed cardiac evaluation of each patient was performed and PESI and PIV were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients died during their hospital stay. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline heart rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, PIV, and PESI were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in acute PE patients. When comparing with PESI, PIV was non-inferior in terms of predicting the survival status in patients with acute PE. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the PIV was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute PE patients and was non-inferior to the PESI.

Racial and gender disparities in the management of acute pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess race and sex disparities in use and outcomes of various interventions in patient with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: We included 129,445 patients with acute PE from the NIS from January 2016 to December 2019. Rates of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), CDT with ultrasound, systemic thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy, percutaneous thrombectomy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and mechanical ventilation were compared between race and sex subgroups, along with length of hospital stay, major bleeding events, mortality, and other adverse events. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to adjust for variables that were significantly different between race and sex, including demographic factors, comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Compared with White male patients, all subgroups had significantly higher odds of in-hospital mortality highest in Hispanic male patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.090-1.640; P < .01). All subgroups also had a higher odds of major bleeding events and increased length of stay. All subgroups also had lower odds of receiving CDT, lowest in Black female patients (OR, 0.740; 95% CI, 0.660-0.820; P < .001) and Hispanic female patients (0.780; 95% CI, 0.650-0.940; P < .001) compared with White male patients. There was no significant difference in the use of systemic thrombolysis among subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Black and Hispanic patients and female patients are less likely to undergo CDT compared with White male patients, in addition to having higher odds of mortality, major bleeding, and increased length of stay after management of PE. Further efforts are needed to mitigate disparate outcomes of PE management at not only an institutional, but at a national, level to promote health care equality.

Embolismo por metacrilato luego de vertebroplastia percutánea / Methacrylate embolism after percutaneous vertebroplasty

Resumen Se presenta un caso de embolismo pulmonar luego de vertebroplastia, realizada por fractura vertebral por osteoporosis. El embolismo se confirmó por métodos complementarios. Se sugiere atención a los síntomas respiratorios y radiografía de tórax posterior a la vertobroplastia a los efectos de mejorar la seguridad del paciente luego del procedimiento.

Abstract A case of pulmonary embolism is presented after vertebroplasty, performed for a vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis. Embolism was confirmed by complementary methods. Attention to respiratory symptoms and a chest x-ray after vertobroplasty are suggested in order to improve patient safety after the procedure.

Embolia cerebral paradójica por foramen oval temporal como complicación de tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo: reporte de caso / Paradoxical cerebral embolism due to transiently patent foramen ovale as a complication of massive pulmonary thromboembolism: Case Report

RESUMEN La embolia cerebral paradójica siempre requiere la presencia de foramen oval; en nuestro caso, este evento sucedió por un fenómeno temporal, el cual fue la sobrecarga aguda de las cavidades derechas y la apertura del foramen oval debido al aumento de presiones como consecuencia de un tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo. Luego de una artroscopía, nuestra paciente presentó pérdida del campo visual y disnea, esta última progresiva, hasta llegar a la ventilación mecánica y shock obstructivo grave. Se realizó una angiotomografía, la cual evidenció un trombo obstructivo en la arterial pulmonar derecha; la paciente fue trombolizada con éxito y fue dada de alta de la unidad de cuidados intensivos después de 45 días. Finalmente se le diagnosticó una deficiencia de proteína C y se inició anticoagulación de manera permanente. La presencia de déficit motor y disnea en una paciente post-cirugía de rodilla, debe hacer sospechar de una tromboembolia pulmonar, la trombólisis sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección, su indicación debe ser precoz.

ABSTRACT Paradoxical cerebral embolism always requires the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO); in our case, this event occurred due to a transient phenomenon, which was the acute overload of the right heart chambers and the opening of the PFO due to increased pressures as a consequence of massive pulmonary thromboembolism. After undergoing arthroscopy, this patient presented with visual field loss and progressive dyspnea, ultimately leading to mechanical ventilation and severe obstructive shock. An angiotomography was performed, revealing an obstructive thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. The patient successfully underwent thrombolysis, and she was discharged from the intensive care unit after 45 days. Ultimately, protein C deficiency was diagnosed, and permanent anticoagulation was initiated. The presence of motor deficit and dyspnea in a post-knee surgery patient should raise suspicion of pulmonary thromboembolism. Thrombolysis remains the treatment of choice, and it should be timely prescribed and performed.

Obstetric pulmonary embolism and long-term cardiovascular symptoms: a cross-sectional study in Western Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an important cause of maternal mortality. There are several guidelines for its diagnosis and management, but there is little information regarding follow-up and frequency of long-term complications. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of long-term cardiovascular symptoms in patients who had obstetric PE. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including patients who had PE during pregnancy or the puerperium. A telephone interview was conducted at least one year after PE, to determine the frequency of cardiovascular symptoms, general health, and COVID-19 infection, considering the study was conducted during the 2020 pandemic. RESULTS: In five years (2015-2019) there were eleven patients with PE, two died during the acute phase, and the rest (nine) were alive and able to answer our interview. Cardiovascular symptoms were common (6, 67 %), the most frequent were fatigue, edema, and mild dyspnea. Four patients (44 %) had slight limitation of physical activity and one (11 %) had PE recurrence. Of the six symptomatic patients four had obesity and one was overweight. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high frequency of long-term cardiovascular symptoms in patients who had PE during pregnancy or the puerperium. Stronger evidence is needed to design a long-term care pathway after obstetric PE.

Associação do Nível de ST2 Solúvel com Mortalidade em 6 Meses e/ou Hospitalização Recorrente Relacionada a Doenças Cardiovasculares em Embolia Pulmonar / Association of soluble ST2 Level with 6-month Mortality and/or Recurrent Cardiovascular-Related Hospitalization in Pulmonary Embolism

Resumo Fundamento: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705-0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. Conclusões: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.

Abstract Background: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. Conclusion: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.