[An infarction, but not a myocardial infarction!] / Un infarctus, mais pas du myocarde!

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and serious cardiovascular disease. The management of PE patients with myocardial damage but without hemodynamic instability (intermediate/high risk) has long remained limited to anticoagulant therapy with no demonstrated positive effect of thrombolysis. In this specific population, percutaneous techniques have been developed and appear as interesting alternative in patients with clinical, biological and morphological severity criteria to reduce the evolutive risk to a more severe form and improve patients' prognosis. We report here the case of a 49-year-old patient treated for a massive bilateral and proximal PE revealed by syncope with right ventricular impact in whom percutaneous pulmonary thrombectomy was proposed in the absence of clinical improvement after the initiation of anticoagulant therapy. The precise indications for percutaneous techniques need to be clarified in patients with intermediate/high risk PE and ongoing randomized studies should provide additional results to better identify their place in the therapeutic arsenal.

Acute Q fever revealed by an anti-phospholipid syndrome: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Acute infection is mainly asymptomatic. In other cases it mainly causes a flu-like illness, a pneumonia, or an hepatitis. We present an atypical case of an acute Q fever revealed by a massive pleural effusion. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 43-year-old man referred to our hospital for an acute respiratory distress. Further analyses showed an exudative eosinophilic pleural effusion, associated with a pulmonary embolism and a deep femoral vein thrombosis. Aetiologic explorations revealed an acute Q fever (IgM and IgG against C. burnetii phase II antigens) associated with anti-phospholipids. The outcome was favorable with vitamin K antagonists, doxycycline, and hydroxychloroquine, till the negativation of the anti-phospholipid antibodies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: During acute C. burnetii infections, anti-phospholipid antibodies are highly prevalent but thrombotic complications are rare. The 2023 ACR/EULAR APS criteria restricts the diagnosis of APS, as in our case of acute severe infection. In front of an atypical pneumonia and/or thrombotic events, screening of C. burnetii and anti-phospholipid antibodies could be useful. Given its low level of evidence, prolongated treatment by doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine ± anticoagulant for C. burnetii's associated anti-phospholipid syndrome is discussed, but succeeded in our case.

[Maternal mortality due to venous thromboembolism in France 2016-2018]. / Mortalité maternelle par thromboembolie veineuse en France 2016­2018.

Pregnancy and the post-partum period represent a thromboembolic risk situation, with pulmonary embolism (PE) remaining one of the leading causes of direct maternal deaths in developed countries. Between 2016 and 2018 in France, twenty maternal deaths were caused by venous thromboembolic complications (VTE), yielding a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 0.9 per 100,000 live births (95%CI 0.6-1.3), with no change compared to the periods 2013-2015 or 2010-2012. Among these 20 deaths, 1 death was related to cerebral thrombophlebitis, and the remaining 19 were due to PE. Regarding the timing of death, 2 deaths occurred after an early termination of pregnancy, 40% (8/20) during an ongoing pregnancy, and 50% (10/20) in the post-partum period. Among the 20 VTE deaths, 20% (4/20) occurred outside of a healthcare facility (at home or in a public place). Among the nineteen cases with documented BMI, seven women had obesity (37%), three times more than in the population of parturients in France (11.8%, ENP 2016). Among the nineteen PE deaths and the case of cerebral thrombophlebitis, eleven were considered preventable, six possibly preventable (35%), two probably preventable (12%), and three preventability undetermined. The identified preventability factors were inadequate care and the patient's failure to interact with the healthcare system. From the case analysis, areas for improvement were identified, including insufficient consideration of major and minor risk factors, the early initiation of appropriate prophylactic treatment, and the absence of fibrinolysis in cases of s refractory cardiac arrest due to suspected PE.

[Comparative prognosis of pulmonary embolism in patients infected with COVID-19 and patients not infected with COVID-19 in Ouagadougou]. / Pronostic comparé de l'embolie pulmonaire chez les patients infectés au COVID-19 et les patients non infectés au COVID-19 à Ouagadougou.

OBJECTIVE: the study's objective was to determine impact of COVID-19 on the prognosis of pulmonary embolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytical multicenter cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was carried out in three university hospitals and a private clinic in Ouagadougou from March, 2020 to July 2021. It included consecutive patients hospitalized for PE confirmed on chest CT angiography or by the association an acute cor pulmonale on echocardiography-Doppler with deep vein thrombosis on venous ultrasound-Doppler of the lower limbs and having carried out a COVID-19 test (RT-PCR or rapid diagnostic test). Control cases consisted of all COVID-19 negative PE cases. Data comparison was carried out using the Epi info 7 software. A univariate then multivariate analysis allowed the comparison of the prognosis of the two subpopulations. The significance level retained was p < 0.05. RESULTS: 96 patients with COVID-19+ and 70 COVID-19- PE were included. The prevalence of PE in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was 7.05%. The average patient age was 61.5±17 years for COVID-19+ patients and 49.6±15.9 years for COVID-19- patients. Pulmonary condensation syndrome (p=0.007), desaturation (p=0.0003) and respiratory distress syndrome (p=0.006) were more common in COVID-19+ patients. The hospital death rate was 27.1% in COVID-19+ patients and 10% in COVID-19- patients (p=0.0024). Age > 65 years and COVID-19 pneumonia were the independent factors of death. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 is associated with clinical severity and excess mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism.

[COMPLICATIONS OF THROMBOLYSIS IN LOMÉ UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS]. / Complications de la thrombolyse dans les centres hospitaliers universitaires de Lomé.

Introduction: Les thrombolytiques sont des agents antithrombotiques capables de lyser un thrombus fibrinoplaquettaire et utilisés dans les pathologies thrombotiques artérielles et veineuses même si cette utilisation n'est pas anodine. L'objectif principal de notre étude était d'évaluer de façon générale les complications de la thrombolyse au cours du syndrome coronarien aigu ST+ et de l'embolie pulmonaire (EP). Matériel et méthode: Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive réalisée sur sept ans (janvier 2014 à décembre 2021) incluant les patients hospitalisés en cardiologie des CHU Campus et Sylvanus Olympio et ayant bénéficié d'une thrombolyse. Résultats: Soixante-cinq dossiers ont été colligés. L'âge moyen des patients était de 54,6 ± 15,5 ans dont 36 (55,4%) hommes et 29 (44,6%) femmes. La thrombolyse avait été réalisée dans le cadre d'une EP grave (54%) et d'un SCA ST+ (46%). La streptokinase était le seul thrombolytique utilisé, en association dans 87,7% des cas à une anticoagulation parentérale par l'héparine. Le succès de la thrombolyse était notifié chez 52 (80%) patients. Néanmoins des complications étaient survenues chez 25 (38,5%) patients dont 18,5% de réactions anaphylactiques, 17% d'hémorragies mineurs et 10,8% d'hémorragies majeures. Leur prise en charge était marquée par l'arrêt de la thrombolyse ou des anticoagulants, l'injection de corticoïdes ainsi que les mesures de réanimations et d'hémostase. La létalité de ces complications était élevée à 52%. Conclusion: La thrombolyse systémique est souvent le seul moyen thérapeutique d'urgence disponible dans nos régions pour le traitement des maladies cardiovasculaires aiguës (SCA ST+ et EP). La survenue des hémorragies peuvent engager le pronostic vital des patients. Il faudrait mettre en évidence les facteurs favorisants la survenue de ces complications. Mots clés: thrombolyse, complications, embolie pulmonaire, syndrome coronaire aigu.

[Benefits and drawbacks of CT scan as a triple rule-out exam in acute chest pain to exclude acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection]. / Le scanner thoracique injecté « triple-rule-out ¼ a-t-il un intérêt dans le bilan des douleurs thoraciques aiguës pour éliminer le syndrome coronaire aigu, l'embolie pulmonaire et la dissection aortique ?

Chest pain is one of the major causes for admission in the Emergency Room in most countries and one of the principal reasons for urgent consultation with a cardiologist or a general practitioner. After clinical examination and initial biological measurements, substantial patients require further explorations. CT scan allows the search for pulmonary embolism in the early stage of pulmonary arteries iodine contrast exploration. During the same exam at the systemic arterial phase, the search for aortic dissection or coronary artery disease is possible while exploring the later contrast in the aortic artery. This triple rule-out exam allows correct diagnosis in case of acute chest pain with suspected pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection and other acute aortic syndromes or acute coronary syndrome. But X-rays are substantially increased as well as iodine contrast agent quantity while exam quality is globally decreased. Artificial intelligence may play an important role in the development of this protocol.

[Non-infectious respiratory emergencies in patients with cancer]. / Urgences respiratoires (non infectieuses) du patient d'onco-hématologie.

Patients with a solid tumor or hematologic malignancy are often addressed to emergency units for an acute respiratory complication associated with the underlying cancer or secondary to treatments. The current article is part of a thematic series: "Intensive care and emergencies in solid tumours and blood cancer patients" and will develop the following points: (1) malignant proximal airway obstruction and, more specifically, the role of therapeutic bronchoscopy; (2) superior vena cava syndrome by tumor compression and/or secondary to thrombosis (diagnosis, local and systemic treatments); (3) cancer-related pulmonary embolism (incidence, indications for low-molecular weight heparins and direct oral anticoagulants). Other respiratory emergencies will be dealt in the other articles of this series.

[The Thromboembolism Risk with Combined Hormonal Contraceptives: Current Status and Prescribing Practice]. / Thromboembolierisiko unter kombinierten hormonellen Kontrazeptiva ­ aktueller Stand und Verschreibungspraxis.

The Thromboembolism Risk with Combined Hormonal Contraceptives: Current Status and Prescribing Practice Abstract. The use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) increases not only the risk for venous thromboembolism, but also for arterial thromboembolism. The risk for thromboembolism is the same for non-oral CHC (patches, vaginal rings) as for oral CHC. Risk factors such as age >35, obesity, smoking and a positive family history need to be recognized and considered in contraceptive counselling. Elaborate information concerning risks and benefits is mandatory. This applies to first-time as well as long-term users. Careful investigation of the history is required, and the risk factors need to be re-evaluated at yearly prescription. It is also very important to inform the patients about the early symptoms of thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, so that therapy can be started immediately. Apart from these risks, CHC may have beneficial effects on organs such as the ovaries, the endometrium and the general well-being for many women. When prescribing a CHC for the first time or when changing to another preparation, one should always weigh up whether certain benefits justify prescribing a preparation with a slightly higher risk of thrombosis compared to the second-generation pill or preparations with Estradiol/Nomegestrolacetat. Women who are already using a third-generation pill or a pill with drospirenone or cyproterone acetate and feel comfortable with it do not need to switch to another preparation (provided no new risk factors have arisen). For women with increased risks, i.e. several relative contraindications or one absolute contraindication, safe alternatives to CHC include progestogen-only preparations, intrauterine devices containing copper or levonorgestrel or, after family planning has been completed, surgical methods (sterilisation/vasectomy).

[Pulmonary Endarterectomy and Treatment for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension]. / Pulmonale Endarteriektomie und Behandlung der chronisch thromboembolischen pulmonalen Hypertonie.

Pulmonary Endarterectomy and Treatment for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Abstract. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a relatively rare disease which mostly evolves as a complication of acute pulmonary embolism resulting from the fibrotic organization of residual thrombotic material despite adequate anticoagulation leading to precapillary pulmonary hypertension and persistence of its symptoms. The elevated pulmonary vascular resistance leads to right ventricular heart failure, its symptoms and reduced prognosis. The therapy of choice is the pulmonary endarterectomy, which leads to a reduction of symptoms, optimization of the hemodynamics and improved prognosis. Misdiagnosis and delayed referral often lead to disease progression along with poor surgical outcome. In case of more distal, surgically non-accessible disease, treatment consists of balloon pulmonary angioplasty and pulmonary vasodilator drugs.

[Prehospital ultrasound and cardiological emergencies]. / Échographie préhospitalière et urgences cardiologiques.

Technological advances over the past two decades have paved the way for the prehospital use of ultrasound. This practice was first developed in traumatology and then in a multitude of other indications, including cardiology. The development of pulmonary ultrasound is certainly the most visible illustration of this. Firstly, because it is an extra-cardiac examination that provides the answer to a cardiac question. Secondly because from a theoretical point of view this ultrasound indication was a bad indication for the use of ultrasound due to the air contained in the thorax. Thirdly, because this indication has become a 'standard of care' when caring for a patient with dyspnea - a practice that has become widespread during the COVID epidemic. In patients with heart failure, ultrasound has a high diagnostic power (including for alternative diagnoses) which is all the more precise since the technique is non-invasive, the response is obtained quickly, the examination can be repeated at desire to follow the evolution of the patient. The main other indications for prehospital ultrasound are cardiac arrest to search for a curable cause, identification of residual mechanical cardiac activity, monitoring of cerebral perfusion; chest pain, for both positive and negative diagnoses; shock for the search for an etiology and therapeutic follow-up or even pulmonary embolism or ultrasound for the search for dilation of the right ventricle which is now at the forefront of the recommendation algorithm.

[Home treatment of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients : Efficacy and safety of an outpatient program including the general practitioner]. / Prise en charge ambulatoire des embolies pulmonaires à risque faible ; expérience d'une filière centrée sur le lien ville-hôpital.

AIM: Outpatient treatment (OT) of patients with low-risk pulmonary embolisms (PE) is recommended. A multidisciplinary OT program including the general practitioner (GP) has been implemented at Versailles hospital in 2019. The objectives of the study were to assess the feasibility, safety and acceptability of the program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The feasibility of, and the inclusion criteria for OT were defined from a retrospective cohort study of PE patients carried out in 2018. In the prospective study, consecutive patients consulting in the emergency department between 2019 and 2021 with confirmed PE were eligible for OT if they had sPESI and HESTIA scores equal to 0, normal troponin and NT-pro-BNP levels, and no right ventricular dilation on imaging. PEs associated with COVID were excluded. The OT program included 4 appointments within 3 months, including 2 with the GP. Events (death, recurrence of PE or venous thromboembolism, bleeding, rehospitalisation) were collected at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: In the retrospective study, 19% of the 138 PE patients seen in the emergency department were eligible for OT. No complication occurred at Day 90. In the prospective study, 313 consecutive patients with confirmed PE in the emergency department were included, 66 (21%) were eligible for OT. Overall, 43 patients (14%) received OT (39 eligible) and 27 patients eligible for OT were hospitalised (92% because of pulmonary infarction). At 3-month follow-up, there were no death, no recurrence of thromboembolism, and one patient has been early hospitalised for COVID; 3 female patients treated with rivaroxaban had minor bleeding (heavy menstrual bleeding). The satisfaction rate of general practitioner was 95%. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the feasibility and safety of our OT program for low-risk EP patients, centered on the general practitioner. It reduces the time spent in the emergency department, reduces hospitalisations and strengthens the city-hospital link for care.

Catheter-based therapy for acute pulmonary embolism: An overview of current evidence.

Systemic thrombolysis for acute pulmonary embolism reduces the risk of death and cardiovascular collapse but is associated with an increased rate of bleeding. The desire to minimize the risk of bleeding events has driven the development of catheter-based strategies for pulmonary reperfusion in pulmonary embolism. These catheter-based strategies utilize lower-dose fibrinolytic regimens or purely mechanical thromboaspiration to expedite removal of the embolus. The most comprehensive data on catheter-based techniques come from trials of ultrasound-facilitated catheter fibrinolysis. This technique relieves right ventricular pressure overload with a lower risk of major bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage than historical rates observed with systemic fibrinolysis in intermediate- to high-risk pulmonary embolism. Two aspiration thrombectomy devices recently demonstrated significant reductions in right ventricle/left ventricle ratio and a low major adverse event rate in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism. However, further research is required to determine the optimal application of ultrasound-facilitated catheter fibrinolysis and other catheter-based therapies in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Interventional Reperfusion Strategies for Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a common, potentially life-threatening cardiovascular emergency, and represents the third leading cause of cardiovascular mortality after myocardial infarction and stroke. Risk stratification is important to guide the management of APE, as an early reperfusion strategy is associated with improved clinical outcomes in specific high-risk conditions. Pulmonary artery reperfusion is commonly achieved by systemic intravenous administration of thrombolytic drugs, but catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDThr) and interventional techniques of catheter-based embolectomy provide novel therapeutic approaches with an improved risk-benefit ratio. Future trials will help to determine when to use these different devices in massive or sub-massive APE, and which patient population is likely to benefit from interventional treatment.

D-dimer at hospital admission for COVID-19 are associated with in-hospital mortality, independent of venous thromboembolism: Insights from a French multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with coagulation disorders, in particular high concentrations of D-dimer, and increased frequency of venous thromboembolism. AIM: To explore the association between D-dimer at admission and in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalised for COVID-19, with or without symptomatic venous thromboembolism. METHODS: From 26 February to 20 April 2020, D-dimer concentration at admission and outcomes (in-hospital mortality and venous thromboembolism) of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in medical wards were retrospectively analysed in a multicenter study in 24 French hospitals. RESULTS: Among 2878 patients enrolled in the study, 1154 (40.1%) patients had D-dimer measurement at admission. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a D-dimer concentration>1128ng/mL as the best cut-off value for in-hospital mortality (area under the curve 64.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 60-69), with a sensitivity of 71.1% (95% CI 62-78) and a specificity of 55.6% (95% CI 52-58), which did not differ in the subgroup of patients with venous thromboembolism during hospitalisation. Among 545 (47.2%) patients with D-dimer concentration>1128ng/mL at admission, 86 (15.8%) deaths occurred during hospitalisation. After adjustment, in Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, D-dimer concentration>1128ng/mL at admission was also associated with a worse prognosis, with an odds ratio of 3.07 (95% CI 2.05-4.69; P<0.001) and an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.11 (95% CI 1.31-3.4; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: D-dimer concentration>1128ng/mL is a relevant predictive factor for in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in a medical ward, regardless of the occurrence of venous thromboembolism during hospitalisation.

[Menopause and risk of thromboembolic events. Postmenopausal women management: CNGOF and GEMVi clinical practice guidelines]. / Ménopause et risque thromboembolique veineux. RPC Les femmes ménopausées du CNGOF et du GEMVi.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases with age with an annual incidence of 1.25/1000 women in the 40-59 age group. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may also increase the risk of VTE. This risk must be assessed during the first consultation before initiating MHT and assess each renewal of the MHT. MHT with oral estrogen combined (or not) with progestin increases the risk of VTE by about 70%. Using transdermal estrogen does not appear to increase the risk of VTE in women. VTE risk appears to be modulated by the type of progestin combined in MHT. The risk of VTE associated with MHT with transdermal estradiol appears to be safe in women using micronised progesterone and pregnane derivatives and higher in women using norpregnane derivatives . To limit the risk of VTE associated with MHT, transdermal estradiol use is recommended. In women at risk of VTE, MHT with oral estrogen is contraindicated. MHT with transdermal estradiol associated (or not) with micronised progesterone or dydrogesterone may be used in women with low or moderate risk of VTE.

[COVID-19: Coagulopathy and thrombosis]. / COVID-19 : coagulopathie et thrombose.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a global pandemic within weeks. Many patients with severe COVID-19 present with coagulation abnormalities, including increase D-dimers. This coagulopathy is associated with an increased risk of death. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of patients with severe COVID-19 develop sometimes unrecognized, venous thromboembolic complications. A better understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in particular hemostatic disorders, will help to choose appropriate treatment strategies. A rigorous thrombotic risk assessment and the implementation of a suitable anticoagulation strategy are required. We review here the characteristics of COVID-19 coagulation laboratory findings in affected patients, the incidence of thromboembolic events and their specificities, and potential therapeutic interventions.

[Maternal mortality due to venous thromboembolism in France 2013-2015]. / Mortalité maternelle par thromboembolie veineuse en France 2013­2015.

Pregnancy and postpartum represent periods at very high risk of venous thromboembolism disease which appears to extend well beyond the classic 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is still one of the three leading causes of direct maternal death (MM) in most developed countries. Between 2013 and 2015, 23 maternal deaths were caused by a venous thromboembolic complication (VTE) (20 pulmonary embolism and 3 cerebral thrombophlebitis), representing 8.8 % of maternal deaths and a Maternal Mortality Ratio of 1.0 per 100,000 live births (95 % CI 0.6-1, 4) which is stable over the last 10 years. Regarding the timing of death, 1 death occurred after abortion, 35 % (8/23) during an ongoing pregnancy (including four before 22 WG), and 61 % (14/23) after childbirth. Among the 23 deaths from VTE, 17 % (5/23) occurred outside a healthcare center (home, street). The mean age was 32.3 and 7 women (30 %) were≥35 years old. Six patients were obese (27 %). The preventability rate is 34.8 % (compared to 50 % in 2007-2009 and 2010-2012), The preventability factors involve the inadequacy of care in 34.8 % of cases (8/23), organizational factors in one case (1/23) and a lack of interaction of the patient with the health care system in two cases (2/23). Care was considered non-optimal in 59 % of these deaths. This proportion is higher than the preventability rate because suboptimal care sometimes did not influence the final outcome.

Mort subite en période pandémique COVID-19 / Sudden cardiac death during covid-19 pandemic period

La maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) est déclarée pandémie mondiale depuis le 11 mars 2020 avec des chiffres qui avoisinent les 30 millions d'infections confirmées dans le monde et un million de décès. Le nombre d'arrêts cardiaques extrahospitalier a doublé dans certaines régions laissant de nombreux spécialistes se pencher sur la relation entre la mort subite et l'infection au SARS-CoV-2. Un des principaux mécanismes de mort subite par infection COVID-19 est l'arythmie, très fréquemment décrite chez les malades hospitalisés dans le cadre de prise en charge de la COVID-19. Les embolies pulmonaires fatales et les lésions myocardiques sont aussi des mécanismes à citer. Ces dernières peuvent être des lésions directes causant une myocardite virale ou des lésions indirectes par inadéquation entre apports et besoins en substrats énergétiques. La sensibilisation au concept du «near-term prevention¼ pourra faire partie de l'arsenal prophylactique des morts subites, en face de la peur de consultation déjà installée en population générale en période pandémique. Cet article a pour objectif de recenser les mécanismes principaux de mort subite liée à l'infection par le SARS-CoV-2 et de faire sortir les moyens de prévention primaire pouvant être mis en avant en situation pandémique.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic since March 11, 2020 with approaching 30 million confirmed infections and one million deaths worldwide. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests have doubled in some areas allowing several physicians to look into the relationship between sudden death and SARSCoV-2 infection. One of the main mechanisms of sudden death from COVID-19 infection is arrhythmia, very frequently described in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Fatal pulmonary embolism and myocardial damage are identically involved. These latter could be direct at the origin of the viral myocarditis or indirect secondary to an inadequacy of energy substrates. Awareness of the «near-term prevention¼ concept could be part of the prophylactic arsenal of sudden deaths, in the face of the fear of hospital consultation already installed in the general population during the pandemic period. This article aims to identify the main mechanisms of sudden cardiac death linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to bring out the means of primary prevention that can be put forward in a pandemic situation.

[COVID-19 and venous thromboembolism]. / COVID-19 et pathologie thromboembolique veineuse.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Frequently asymptomatic, VTE has a negative impact on patients clinical course. On top of traditional VTE risk factors encountered during COVID-19 such as prolonged bed rest, hypoxemia and intravascular material, main features of patients with severe forms (old age, obesity) explain in part the VTE frequency. In addition, COVID-19 causes an endothelial disease following endotheliitis after the direct invasion of endothelial cells and a prothrombotic state secondary to the strong inflammatory response to infection. Altogether, these mechanisms lead to an extensive immunothrombosis within the pulmonary vasculature. VTE risk stratification to prescribe adequate anticoagulation is an imperious requirement in the COVID-19 treatment. So far, guidelines are mainly based on observational data. Randomized controlled clinical trials are ongoing and will allow to precise the anticoagulant regiment of patients hospitalized for COVID-19.