Evaluation of soluble P-selectin as a predictive biomarker in acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism: Insights from a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis with interesting results. However, its role in predicting early mortality in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains unexplored. METHODS: This observational, prospective, single-center study enrolled consecutive patients aged 18 or older with confirmed acute symptomatic PE and no prior anticoagulation. The study aims to assess the prognostic capacity of sP-selectin measured at the time of PE diagnosis for short-term mortality and major bleeding. RESULTS: A total of 196 patients, with a mean age of 69.1 years (SD 17), were included, of whom 52.6% were male. Within 30 days, 9.7% of patients (n = 19) died, and 5.1% (n = 10) suffered major bleeding. PE risk stratification revealed 4.6% (n = 9) with high-risk PE, 34.7% (n = 68) with intermediate-high-risk PE, 38.3% (n = 75) with intermediate-low-risk PE, and 22.5% (n = 44) with low-risk PE according to the European Society of Cardiology score. Mean plasma sP-selectin levels were comparable between survivors and non-survivors (489.7 ng/mL ±63 vs. 497.3 ng/mL ±51; p = .9). The ROC curve for 30-day all-cause mortality and major bleeding yielded an AUC of 0.49 (95% CI 0.36-0.63) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.24-0.68), respectively. Multivariate and survival analyses were precluded due to lack of significance. CONCLUSIONS: sP-selectin was not useful for predicting short-term mortality or major bleeding in patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Further studies are required to clarify the role of sP-selectin in VTE, particularly in prognosticating PE outcomes.

Prognostic Value of D-dimer to Lymphocyte Ratio (DLR) in Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: A Validation Study in a National Cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to validate the role of the D-dimer to lymphocyte ratio (DLR) for mortality prediction in a large national cohort of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter, observational study that included hospitalized patients due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022. All biomarkers and laboratory indices analyzed were measured once at admission. RESULTS: A total of 10,575 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 66.9 (±16) years, and 58.6% (6202 patients) of them were male. The overall mortality rate was 16.3% (n = 1726 patients). Intensive care unit admission was needed in 10.5% (n = 1106 patients), non-invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 8.8% (n = 923 patients), and orotracheal intubation was required in 7.5% (789 patients). DLR presented a c-statistic of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.68-0.71) for in-hospital mortality with an optimal cut-off above 1. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association for in-hospital mortality for DLR > 1 (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.09-4.04; p = 0.03); in the same way, survival analysis showed a higher mortality risk for DLR > 1 (HR 2.24; 95% CI 2.03-2.47; p < 0.01). Further, no other laboratory indices showed an independent association for mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the usefulness of DLR as a prognostic biomarker for mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, being an accessible, cost-effective, and easy-to-use biomarker in daily clinical practice.

A Rare Case of Stroke as a Complication After Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Patient with Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism and Patent Foramen Ovale.

We present an extremely rare case of a patient with intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism treated with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy, complicated with stroke as a form of paradoxical embolism through a previously unknown patent foramen ovale. We reviewed the literature for indications, efficacy, and safety of this procedure, as well as for experience on this technique in patients with patent foramen ovale. LEARNING POINTS: Some authors propose percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy as an aggressive treatment of intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism.Pending clinical trials, percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy seems to reduce right ventricle overload in these patients, with rare adverse effects.To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of stroke as a complication of the procedure. These patients should be screened for patent foramen ovale before the procedure.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in adults: a case series of 35 patients from a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, imaging tests and outcomes, and identify potential prognostic factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational study included adult patients diagnosed with CVT from January 2016 to December 2020. The variables were reviewed using electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 50.3 (+/- 17.8) years, and the majority being women (74.4%). Nearly 95% of the patients presented at least one risk factor for the development of CVT. Heparins were used for the acute phase in 97.1% of cases, with 75% of those being low molecular weight heparins.During the first two weeks, a compound event (death, intensive care unit admission, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at discharge >3, CVT recurrence, major bleeding, or the presence of complications) occurred in 28.6% of patients (10 patients).Over the mean follow-up period of 3.3 years, 14.3% of the patients died (with only one death attributed to CVT), one patient experienced major bleeding, and no patients had a recurrence of CVT. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, CVT predominantly affected young women with at least one risk factor for its development. The presence of edema on CT and corticosteroid treatment were associated with a poor short-term prognosis. However, we observed a favorable long-term prognosis in terms of mortality, recurrence, and bleeding.

Trombosis venosa mesentérica / Mesenteric venous thrombosis

La trombosis venosa mesentérica (TVM) es una entidad poco frecuente que puede presentarse de manera aguda, subaguda o crónica. Puede ocurrir de forma aislada o en el seno de una trombosis esplácnica (espleno-porto-mesentérica). Los casos sintomáticos suelen presentarse como dolor abdominal inespecífico, con o sin datos de sufrimiento intestinal, y el diagnóstico se realiza habitualmente mediante una prueba de imagen (TC abdominal o RMN) en pacientes con una alta sospecha clínica. Se recomienda un enfoque clínico-quirúrgico precoz para cribar aquellos pacientes con datos de alarma y que se beneficien de una laparotomía exploradora añadida al tratamiento anticoagulante, que es la piedra angular del tratamiento médico. La TVM suele asociar estados protrombóticos, siendo de especial interés clínico los trastornos hematológicos (síndromes mieloproliferativos y mutaciones del gen JAK2). Por otro lado, la tasa de supervivencia a los 5 años es del 70-82%, y la mortalidad global precoz puede llegar hasta el 20-32% (AU)

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare condition that can present acutely, subacutely, or chronically. MVT can be isolated or within a splanchnic thrombosis (spleno-porto-mesenteric). Symptomatic cases usually present as nonspecific abdominal pain, with or without signs of intestinal ischemia, and the diagnosis is usually made by imaging test (abdominal CT or MRI) in patients with high clinical suspicion. An early clinical-surgical approach is recommended to screen those patients with warning signs and who benefit from an exploratory laparotomy in addition to anticoagulant treatment, which is the cornerstone of medical treatment. MVT is usually associated with prothrombotic states, with hematological disorders (myeloproliferative syndromes and/or JAK2 gene mutations) being of special clinical relevance. On the other hand, the 5-year survival rate is 70-82% and early overall 30-day mortality from MVT can reach 20-32% (AU)

Características clínicas y forma de presentación en pacientes con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa y dímero-D negativo o débilmente positivo / Clinical characteristics and presentation form in patients with venous thromboembolism and negative or weakly positive D-dimer

Introducción: El dímero-D presenta un elevado valor predictivo negativo (VPN) para el diagnóstico de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa (ETV). Sin embargo, se ha descrito ETV en presencia de valores normales de dímero-D.Pacientes y métodosEstudio observacional prospectivo en pacientes con ETV en el Hospital Gregorio Marañón entre 2001-2022 que compara las características de presentación clínica en función de los niveles de dímero-D (< 500 ng/mL vs. ≥ 500 ng/mL).ResultadosDel total de 2.582 pacientes, 333 pacientes (12,9%) presentaron dímero-D negativo o débilmente positivo. Estos eran significativamente más jóvenes (57,9 vs. 65,3 años), con menor prevalencia de comorbilidades (cardiopatía isquémica, demencia y enfermedad renal crónica), mayor historia familiar de ETV (8,4% vs. 5,2%) y trombofilia (11,7% vs. 7,8%). Presentaron significativamente menor disnea (57,6% vs. 75,4%), síncope (3% vs. 13,5%), menor carga trombótica, elevación de Nt-pro-BNP (22,0% vs. 48,2%) y dilatación del ventrículo derecho (8,1% vs. 30,0%).ConclusiónLos pacientes con ETV y niveles bajos de dímero-D al diagnóstico fueron más jóvenes, con presentación clínica más leve y menor carga trombótica; pero presentaron mayor prevalencia de trombofilia e historia familiar de ETV. (AU)

Introduction: D-dimer has a high negative predictive value for the diagnosis of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). However, VTE has been reported in the presence of normal D-dimer values.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study in patients with VTE from Hospital Gregorio Marañón between 2001 and 2022, comparing the characteristics of clinical presentation based on D-dimer levels (<500 ng/mL vs. ≥500 ng/mL).ResultsA total of 2582 patients were found, 333 patients (12.9%) presented negative or weakly positive D-dimer levels. They were significantly younger (57.9 vs. 65.3 years), with a lower prevalence of comorbidities (ischemic heart disease, dementia, and chronic kidney disease), and a greater family history of VTE (8.4% vs. 5.2%) and thrombophilia (11.7% vs. 7.8%). They presented significantly less dyspnea (57.6% vs. 75.4%), syncope (3% vs. 13.5%), less thrombotic load, elevated NT-pro-BNP (22.0% vs. 48.2%), and right ventricle dilatation (8.1% vs. 30.0%).ConclusionPatients with VTE and low D-dimer levels at diagnosis were younger, with milder clinical presentation and lower thrombotic load; but they presented a higher prevalence of thrombophilia and a family history of VTE. (AU)

[Mesenteric venous thrombosis]. / Trombosis venosa mesentérica.

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare condition that can present acutely, subacutely, or chronically. MVT can be isolated or within a splanchnic thrombosis (spleno-porto-mesenteric). Symptomatic cases usually present as nonspecific abdominal pain, with or without signs of intestinal ischemia, and the diagnosis is usually made by imaging test (abdominal CT or MRI) in patients with high clinical suspicion. An early clinical-surgical approach is recommended to screen those patients with warning signs and who benefit from an exploratory laparotomy in addition to anticoagulant treatment, which is the cornerstone of medical treatment. MVT is usually associated with prothrombotic states, with hematological disorders (myeloproliferative syndromes and/or JAK2 gene mutations) being of special clinical relevance. On the other hand, the 5-year survival rate is 70-82% and early overall 30-day mortality from MVT can reach 20-32%.

[Clinical characteristics and presentation form in patients with venous thromboembolism and negative or weakly positive D-dimer]. / Características clínicas y forma de presentación en pacientes con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa y dímero-D negativo o débilmente positivo.

INTRODUCTION: D-dimer has a high negative predictive value for the diagnosis of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). However, VTE has been reported in the presence of normal D-dimer values. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study in patients with VTE from Hospital Gregorio Marañón between 2001 and 2022, comparing the characteristics of clinical presentation based on D-dimer levels (<500 ng/mL vs. ≥500 ng/mL). RESULTS: A total of 2582 patients were found, 333 patients (12.9%) presented negative or weakly positive D-dimer levels. They were significantly younger (57.9 vs. 65.3 years), with a lower prevalence of comorbidities (ischemic heart disease, dementia, and chronic kidney disease), and a greater family history of VTE (8.4% vs. 5.2%) and thrombophilia (11.7% vs. 7.8%). They presented significantly less dyspnea (57.6% vs. 75.4%), syncope (3% vs. 13.5%), less thrombotic load, elevated NT-pro-BNP (22.0% vs. 48.2%), and right ventricle dilatation (8.1% vs. 30.0%). CONCLUSION: Patients with VTE and low D-dimer levels at diagnosis were younger, with milder clinical presentation and lower thrombotic load; but they presented a higher prevalence of thrombophilia and a family history of VTE.

Evaluation of simple laboratory parameters in SARS-CoV-2 infection: the role of ratios.

BACKGROUND: The real predictive prognostic capacity of cellular indices (or ratios) is unclear in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of previously well-known laboratory indices and new ones in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study from March to May 2022 evaluated laboratory indices on admission (neutrophil to lymphocyte-, derived neutrophil to lymphocyte-, platelet to lymphocyte-, CRP to lymphocyte-, CRP to albumin-, fibrinogen to lymphocyte-, d-dimer to lymphocyte-, ferritin to lymphocyte-, LDH to lymphocyte-, and IL-6 to lymphocyte ratios), in patients hospitalized due to SARS-CoV2 infection to determine the association with mortality, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), orotracheal intubation (OTI), or combined event at 30 days follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1113 COVID-19 patients were evaluated with a mean age of 64.1 ± 15.9 years (58.49% male), 166 (14.91%) patients died, 58 (5.21%) required ICU admission, 73 (6.56%) needed NIMV, 46 (4.23%) needed OTI, and 247 (22.19%) presented the combined event. All the ratios evaluated in this study showed statistical significance in the univariate analysis for mortality and combined event; however, only d-dimer to lymphocyte ratio >0.6 presented an independent association in the multivariate analysis for 30-day mortality (adjusted OR 2.32; p = .047) and 30-day combined event (adjusted OR 2.62; p = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory indices might be a potential biomarker for better prognosis stratification in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. d-Dimer to lymphocyte ratio presents an independent association for 30-day mortality and 30-day adverse outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

A retrospective analysis of incidence and severity of COVID-19 among hypertensive patients: the other side.

OBJECTIVE: The role of hypertension in COVID-19 has not been clearly elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in a hypertensive population and assess whether there is a link between blood pressure control and SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective observational study that evaluated the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in a chronic hypertensive population (n=1,637) from a specialized consultation of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk of Internal Medicine in a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain). RESULTS: A total of 147 COVID-19 patients (9%) were found, with a median age of 59 (±14) years, where 77 (52.4%) patients were male. Forty patients required hospitalization (27.2%), 15 patients had severe COVID-19 (10.2%), and 6 patients died (4.1%). Among the causes of hypertension, 104 (70.7%) patients had essential hypertension and 22 (15%) patients presented primary hyperaldosteronism; and 66 (44.9%) patients presented RH. Severe COVID-19 was associated with age over 65 years (crude OR 4.43 [95% CI 1.3-14.2; p = .012]) and diabetes mellitus (crude OR 4.15 [95% CI 1.3-12.9; p = .014]). CONCLUSION: This study showed a lower rate of incidence, hospitalization, and severity of COVID-19 in the hypertensive population.

Arterial and venous involvement in Behçet's syndrome: a narrative review.

Behçet syndrome (BS) is a unique type of vasculitis that affects veins and arteries of all sizes, leading to recurrent vascular events, mostly venous thrombosis. The prevalence of venous thromboembolism in BS patients ranges between 15 and 40%. Thrombosis is usually an early manifestation leading to diagnosis of BS in up to 40% of patients. BS is per se a model of inflammation-induced thrombosis. The primary autoimmune response activates lymphocytes that in turn produce a cytokine cascade that activates neutrophils, which modify the secondary structure of fibrinogen making it less susceptible to plasmin-induced lysis. This leads to endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and overexpression of tissue factor leading to inflammatory thrombi, usually attached to the wall. The pathogenesis of thrombosis is especially relevant to direct the specific treatment, that is based on immunosuppression rather than anticoagulation. Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are the most common form of thrombosis in BS, but thrombosis in atypical sites (cava vein, suprahepatic veins, intracardiac thrombus) and arterial involvement can also occur. We assessed the latest update of the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for the management of BS. Vascular Behçet treatment is usually based of immunosuppressants, and the role of anticoagulation remains controversial. The use of interventional and surgical procedures should be carefully evaluated, due to the risk of triggering a vascular pathergy phenomenon.

Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin, Methemoglobin and Carboxyhemoglobin as Prognosis Biomarkers in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: An Observational Prospective Study.

Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), methemoglobin (MetHb), and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels have been associated with sepsis. In this study, we assessed the role of this potential biomarkers in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Outcomes were mortality and a combined event (mortality, venous or arterial thrombosis, and orotracheal intubation (OTI)) during a 30-day follow-up. A total of 95 consecutive patients were included, 51.6% required OTI, 12.6% patients died, 8.4% developed VTE, and 3.1% developed arterial thrombosis. MetHb and COHb levels were not associated with mortality nor combined event. Higher MR-proADM levels were found in patients with mortality (median of 1.21 [interquartile range-IQR-0.84;2.33] nmol/L vs. 0.76 [IQR 0.60;1.03] nmol/L, p = 0.011) and combined event (median of 0.91 [IQR 0.66;1.39] nmol/L vs. 0.70 [IQR 0.51;0.82] nmol/L, p < 0.001); the positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) for mortality were 2.40 and 0.46, respectively. The LR+ and LR- for combined event were 3.16 and 0.63, respectively. MR-proADM ≥1 nmol/L was the optimal cut-off for mortality and combined event prediction. The predictive capacity of MR-proADM showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.62-0.81) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62-0.81) for mortality and combined event, respectively. In conclusion, elevated on-admission MR-proADM levels were associated with higher risk of 30-day mortality and 30-day poor outcomes in a cohort of critically ill patients with COVID-19.

May-Thurner syndrome and deep vein thrombosis: A series of 8 patients

Objectives: To analyze the prevalence of May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) among patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of left lower limb (LLL), and outcomes after long-term follow-up.MethodRetrospective observational study that included patients older than 18 diagnosed with acute DVT and MTS.ResultsAmong 760 patients diagnosed with DVT in the LLL, 8 patients were diagnosed with MTS (1.05%), with a mean age of 39 years. All patients received long-term anticoagulation, with a mean of 31.9 (±25.2) months. Invasive treatment with pharmaco-mechanical thrombectomy was performed in 5 patients (62.5%). During follow-up (mean of 32.4 months), 25% of patients suffered DVT recurrence. Only 1 case presented major bleeding, and no deaths were registered.ConclusionsMay-Thurner syndrome constitutes a permanent and underdiagnosed risk factor for the development of DVT of LLL. Our findings suggest that long-term anticoagulation therapy might be considered in selected cases. (AU)

Objetivos: Analizar la prevalencia del síndrome de May-Thurner (SMT) en una cohorte de pacientes con trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) en el miembro inferior izquierdo (MII), y las complicaciones durante el seguimiento a largo plazo.MétodosEstudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de TVP en el MII y SMT.ResultadosEntre los 760 pacientes diagnosticados de TVP en el MII, ocho pacientes fueron diagnosticados de SMT (1,05%), con una media de edad de 39 años. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento anticoagulante a largo plazo, con una media de 31,9 (± 25,2) meses. Se realizó tratamiento invasivo con trombectomía fármaco-mecánica en cinco pacientes (62,5%). Durante el seguimiento (media de 32,4 meses), el 25% de los pacientes sufrieron recurrencia de TVP. Solo se registró un sangrado mayor y no se registraron muertes.ConclusionesEl síndrome de May-Thurner constituye un factor de riesgo infradiagnosticado y permanente para el desarrollo de TVP en el MII. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que la anticoagulación a largo plazo podría ser considerada en casos seleccionados. (AU)

Inflammatory Biomarkers in the Short-Term Prognosis of Venous Thromboembolism: A Narrative Review.

The relationship between inflammation and venous thrombosis is not well understood. An inflammatory response may be both the cause and consequence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In fact, several risk factors of VTE modulate thrombosis through inflammatory markers. Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is burdened by a remarkable mortality rate, up to 34% in severely ill patients presenting with hemodynamic instability. Initial mortality risk stratification is based on hemodynamic instability. Patients with a situation of hemodynamic stability require immediate further risk assessment based on clinical, imaging, and circulating biomarkers, as well as the presence of comorbidities. Some inflammatory biomarkers have shown potential usefulness in the risk stratification of patients with VTE, especially acute PE. C-reactive protein on admission is associated with 30-day mortality and bleeding in VTE patients. P-selectin is associated with right ventricle dysfunction in PE patients and might be associated with VTE recurrences and the extension of thrombosis. Tissue factor microparticles are associated with VTE recurrence in cancer-associated thrombosis. Other inflammatory biomarkers present scarce evidence (inflammatory cytokines, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, leukocyte count). In this manuscript, we will review the prognostic role of different inflammatory biomarkers available both for clinical practice and research in VTE patients.

May-Thurner syndrome and deep vein thrombosis: A series of 8 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence of May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) among patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of left lower limb (LLL), and outcomes after long-term follow-up. METHOD: Retrospective observational study that included patients older than 18 diagnosed with acute DVT and MTS. RESULTS: Among 760 patients diagnosed with DVT in the LLL, 8 patients were diagnosed with MTS (1.05%), with a mean age of 39 years. All patients received long-term anticoagulation, with a mean of 31.9 (±25.2) months. Invasive treatment with pharmaco-mechanical thrombectomy was performed in 5 patients (62.5%). During follow-up (mean of 32.4 months), 25% of patients suffered DVT recurrence. Only 1 case presented major bleeding, and no deaths were registered. CONCLUSIONS: May-Thurner syndrome constitutes a permanent and underdiagnosed risk factor for the development of DVT of LLL. Our findings suggest that long-term anticoagulation therapy might be considered in selected cases.

Long-term anticoagulant treatment in patients with inferior vena cava agenesis and deep vein thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Inferior vena cava agenesis (IVCA) is a rare and underdiagnosed congenital anomaly that predisposes to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Optimal duration of anticoagulant treatment in these patients is not well established. METHOD: Observational retrospective study that included all consecutive patients older than 18 diagnosed with IVCA and DVT. Data including demographics, initial clinical presentation, modality of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes were obtained. RESULTS: In patients with IVCA and DVT (n = 9), mean age was 42 and 66% were males. Five (55,5%) patients had bilateral DVT and the most frequent location was ilio-femoral. Only one patient had concomitant pulmonary embolism (PE). During follow-up (mean of 77.8 months), anticoagulation was withdrawn in 2 patients and both developed recurrence of DVT (22.2%, CI 95% 2.8-60.0). One minor bleeding (11.1%, CI 95% 0.3-48.3), five post-thrombotic syndrome (55.6%, CI 95% 21.2-86.3) and no deaths were registered. CONCLUSION: In patients with DVT and IVCA, post-thrombotic syndrome was developed in approximately half of the patients. No major bleeding events were recorded during long-term anticoagulant therapy and recurrences occurred only in patients who had anticoagulation withdrawn. These data suggest that extended anticoagulant therapy might be considered in these patients.

Chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in Behçet's disease successfully managed with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a case report and literature review.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by an obstruction of hepatic venous outflow from small hepatic veins to inferior vena cava, caused by acute thrombosis or its fibrous sequellae. An underlying myeloproliferative neoplasm is present in 50% of cases. Clinical manifestations are widely variable, from asymptomatic to fulminant episodes. Long-term complications range from cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare recurrent inflammatory multisystemic disorder characterized by recurrent skin-mucosa lesions and systemic involvement. Vascular involvement is observed in up to 40% of the patients with BD, and it is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. BCS is a rare complication of BD with a frequency of < 5% among patients with vascular involvement. Immunosuppressive treatment is the cornerstone for the management of vascular involvement in BD, while anticoagulant therapy has been an issue of debate. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in severe cases of BCS-of all causes- improves survival. However, there is scarce evidence about the role of TIPS in the setting of BCS in BD. We present a case of a vascular Behçet's disease associated with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome with progression of thrombosis despite adequate anticoagulant and immunosuppressive treatment, successfully managed with TIPS.

Omalizumab as a Provoking Factor for Venous Thromboembolism.

A 43-year-old man with a history of severe extrinsic allergic asthma treated with once-monthly omalizumab (600 mg) for the last 15 months. He presented to the emergency room with a 2-week history of right lower limb pain and chest pleuritic pain. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography showed bilateral pulmonary embolism with right-sided pulmonary infarction and ultrasound of right lower limb confirmed distal deep vein thrombosis. No other known risk factors were identified. Treatment with omalizumab was stopped during hospitalization. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Probability Scale classifies this as a probable ADR (score of 6). Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody indicated for the treatment of persistent moderate-to-severe asthma and certain chronic refractory urticaria. The EXCELS study (The Epidemiologic Study of Xolair (omalizumab): Evaluating Clinical Effectiveness and Long-term Safety in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Asthma), a postmarketing observational cohort study to assess clinical safety profile of omalizumab, showed a significant increase in venous thromboembolism. In conclusion, omalizumab has been associated with arterial and venous thromboembolic events, although the evidence is not definitive.