Comparison of the accuracy of four diagnostic prediction rules for pulmonary embolism in patients admitted to the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ruling out pulmonary embolism (PE) through a combination of clinical assessment and D-dimer level can potentially avoid excessive use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the standard approach based on the Wells and Geneva scores combined with a standard D-dimer cut-off (500 ng/ml), with three alternative strategies (age-adjusted and the YEARS and PEGeD algorithms) in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with suspected PE. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients admitted to the ED who underwent CTPA due to suspected PE were retrospectively assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios were calculated and compared between the different diagnostic prediction rules. RESULTS: We included 1402 patients (mean age 69±18 years, 54% female), and PE was confirmed in 25%. Compared to the standard approach (p<0.001), an age-adjusted strategy increased specificity with a non-significant decrease in sensitivity only in patients older than 70 years. Compared to the standard and age-adjusted approaches, the YEARS and PEGeD algorithms had the highest specificity across all ages, but were associated with a significant decrease in sensitivity (p<0.001), particularly in patients aged under 60 years (sensitivity of 81% in patients aged between 51 and 60 years). CONCLUSION: Compared to the standard approach, all algorithms were associated with increased specificity. The age-adjusted strategy was the only one not associated with a significant decrease in sensitivity compared to the standard approach, enabling CTPA requests to be reduced safely.

Nicolau Syndrome Following Glatiramer Injection in a Middle-Aged Woman.

Nicolau syndrome is a rare adverse reaction that can occur in the setting of intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous injections. Proper diagnosis and management are critical to avoid complications including abscesses, muscular atrophy, and necrotizing fasciitis. Here, we report a 55-year-old female with multiple sclerosis who presented to our clinic following a subcutaneous injection of 40mg of glatiramer. She immediately noted a sharp pain and erythema, which developed into a purple discoloration, became purulent, and eventually necrosed. The patient's wound was debrided, and she was advised to clean the wound with soap and water, apply topical mupirocin, and change dressings twice daily. She continued to receive appropriate follow-up care with weekly to bi-weekly debridement with excellent resolution.

Tratamiento intervencionista de la embolia aguda de pulmón: resultados de un registro multicéntrico / Catheter-directed therapy for acute pulmonary embolism: results of a multicenter national registry

Introduction and objectives Catheter-directed therapy (CDT) for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is an emerging therapy that combines heterogeneous techniques. The aim of the study was to provide a nationwide contemporary snapshot of clinical practice and CDT-related outcomes. Methods This Investigator-initiated multicenter registry aimed to include consecutive patients with intermediate-high risk (IHR) or high-risk (HR), acute PE eligible for CDT. The primary outcome of the study was in-hospital all-cause death. Results A total of 253 patients were included, of whom 93 (36.8%) had HR-PE, and 160 (63.2%) had IHR-PE with a mean age of 62.3±15.1 years. Local thrombolysis was performed in 70.8% and aspiration thrombectomy in 51.8%, with 23.3% of patients receiving both. However, aspiration thrombectomy was favored in the HR-PE cohort (80.6% vs 35%; P<.001). Only 51 patients (20.2%) underwent CDT with specific PE devices. The success rate for CDT was 90.9% (98.1% of IHR-PE patients vs 78.5% of HR-PE patients, P<.001). In-hospital mortality was 15.5%, and was highly concentrated in the HR-PE patients (37.6%) and significantly lower in IHR-PE patients (2.5%), P<.001. Long-term (24-month) mortality was 40.2% in HR-PE patients vs 8.2% in IHR-PE patients (P<.001). Conclusions Despite the high success rate for CDT, in-hospital mortality in HR-PE is still high (37.6%) compared with very low IHR-PE mortality (2.5%) (AU)

Introducción y objetivos El emergente tratamiento por catéter (TPC) de la embolia pulmonar (EP) aguda combina técnicas heterogéneas. El objetivo del estudio es describir la práctica clínica contemporánea y los resultados relacionados con la TPC en un registro de ámbito nacional. Métodos Registro multicéntrico iniciado por investigador, destinado a incluir a pacientes con EP aguda consecutivos y en riesgo intermedio-alto (IAR) o alto riesgo (AR) elegibles para TPC. El resultado primario del estudio fue la muerte por cualquier causa en el hospital. Resultados Se incluyó en total a 253 pacientes, 93 (36,8%) con EP-AR y 160 (63,2%) con EP-IAR, de una media de edad de 62,3±15,1. Se realizó trombolisis local al 70,8% de los pacientes, trombectomía aspirativa al 51,8% y ambas al 23,3%. Sin embargo, la trombectomía por aspiración fue más frecuente en la cohorte de EP-AR (el 80,6 frente al 35%; p<0,001). Solo 51 pacientes (20,2%) se sometieron a TPC con dispositivos específicos de EP. El éxito de la TPC fue del 90,9% (el 98,1% de los casos de EP-IAR frente al 78,5% de los de EP-AR; p<0,001). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 15,5%, muy concentrada en los casos de EP-AR (37,6%) y significativamente menor entre los de EP-IAR (2,5%; p<0,001). La mortalidad a largo plazo (24 meses) fue del 40,2 en EP-AR frente al 8,2% en EP-IAR (p<0,001). Conclusiones A pesar del elevado éxito de la TPC, la mortalidad hospitalaria por EP-AR sigue siendo alta (37,6%) respeto a la muy baja mortalidad de la EP-IAR (2,5%) (AU)

Efectividad y seguridad de una estrategia de antiagregación plaquetaria simple tras cierre percutáneo de orejuela izquierda en pacientes con FA / Single antiplatelet therapy after left atrial appendage closure in patients with AF: safety and effectiveness

Introduction and objectives The optimal antithrombotic strategy following left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is poorly defined in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of a single antiplatelet treatment (SAPT) strategy after LAAC in a population at high risk of ischemic and bleeding events. Methods This single-center, observational, prospective study included a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent LAAC using the LAmbre device (Lifetech Scientific, China) and who were discharged with SAPT. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, and device-related thrombosis during follow-up. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and major bleeding events (BARC ≥3a). Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months and subsequently on an annual basis. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed at 1 and 12 months of follow-up. Results The study comprised 74 patients. The median age was 77 [72-83] years and 43% were women. The cohort exhibited a high prevalence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. The median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4 [3-6] and 4 [4-5], respectively. The median length of follow-up was 2.5 years (188 patients-year). During follow-up, device-related thrombosis occurred in 3 patients (4%). Ischemic stroke occurred in 1 patient (1.3%, rate 0.5%/y), representing a 90.9% relative risk reduction compared with the risk predicted by CHA2DS2-VASc. Major bleeding events occurred in 12 patients (16%, 6.4%/y), with a relative risk reduction of 26.4% of that predicted by HAS-BLED. Cardiovascular-related mortality was observed in 2 patients (2.7%). Conclusions SAPT appears to be a safe and effective treatment following LAAC in patients at high ischemic and hemorrhagic risk. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings (AU)

Introducción y objetivos Se desconoce cuál es la terapia antitrombótica óptima tras el cierre percutáneo de la orejuela izquierda (CPOI) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la efectividad y la seguridad de un régimen de tratamiento antiagregante plaquetario simple (TAPS) tras el CPOI en una población con alto riesgo isquémico y hemorrágico. Métodos Estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó una cohorte consecutiva de pacientes a los que se realizó CPOI con dispositivo LAmbre (Lifetech Scientific, China) y que recibieron TAPS al alta. El evento primario fue un combinado de ictus, embolia sistémica y trombosis del dispositivo. Los eventos secundarios fueron mortalidad cardiovascular y hemorragia mayor (BARC ≥ 3a). Se realizó seguimiento clínico al mes y a los 6 y 12 meses y cada año después. Se realizó ecocardiograma transesofágico al mes y a los 12 meses. Resultados Se incluyó a 74 pacientes (el 43% mujeres) con una mediana de edad de 77 [intervalo intercuartílico, 72-83] años, que presentaban gran comorbilidad y factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Los valores de CHA2DS2-VASc y HAS-BLED fueron una mediana de 4 [3-6] y 4 [4-5] respectivamente. Durante el seguimiento (mediana, 2,5 años), 3 pacientes (4%) presentaron trombosis del dispositivo. Uno sufrió ictus isquémico (1,3%, 0,5%/año), lo que supone, según la incidencia esperada por CHA2DS2-VASc, una reducción del riesgo relativo del 90,9%. Sufrieron eventos hemorrágicos 12 pacientes (16%; 6,4%/año), una tasa el 26,4% menor que el riesgo HAS-BLED predicho. Se produjo la muerte cardiovascular de 2 pacientes (2,7%). Conclusiones Una estrategia de TAPS tras el CPOI parece ser una opción efectiva y segura para los pacientes con altos riesgos isquémico y hemorrágico. Se necesitan más estudios que corroboren nuestros resultados (AU)

Impacto del confinamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la prevalencia de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa / Impact of strict confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease

Objetivo: comparar la frecuencia de eventos tromboembólicos agudos en pacientes atendidos en urgencias de un hospital comarcal durante las primeras semanas de la pandemia de COVID-19 del año 2020 respecto al año anterior.Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo en pacientes mayores de 40 años atendidos en urgencias del Hospital de Riotinto (Huelva) desde el 15 de marzo al 30 de abril de los años 2019 y 2020. La recogida de información se llevó a cabo a partir de una revisión de historias clínicas y el cuestionario de recogida de datos contenía variables clínicas y sociodemográficas.Resultados: se incluyeron 1.245 pacientes. Edad media: 71,2 años (desviación estándar [DE]: 13,7) y un 51,1% eran mujeres. En 2019 se atendieron a 797 mayores de 40 años y en 2020 fueron 448, suponiendo un descenso del 43,79%. La prevalencia de embolismo pulmonar fue superior en 2020 respecto a 2019 (1,6% frente a 0,4%; p = 0,024). La frecuencia de eventos trombóticos venosos fue superior también en 2020 respecto a 2019 (1,35% frente a 0,4%; p = 0,054). La prevalencia global de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa con variable compuesta (tromboembolismo pulmonar + trombosis venosa) fue significativamente superior en 2020 frente a 2019 (2,9% frente a 0,8%; p = 0,003). Ningún paciente fue diagnosticado de COVID-19 y tromboembolismo.Conclusiones: en el período de confinamiento durante la pandemia hubo un incremento del número de eventos tromboembólicos agudos en adultos, tanto de tromboembolia pulmonar como de trombosis venosa profunda respecto al año previo. (AU)

Aim: to compare the frequency of acute thromboembolic events in patients visited in the casualty department of a regional hospital during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with the same period of previous year.Material and methods: retrospective study of patients aged over 40 years of age treated in the casualty department of Hospital de Riotinto (Huelva) from 15 March to 30 April 2019 and same period of 2020. The information was collected from a review of medical records. The data collection questionnaire contained clinical and sociodemographic variables.Results: a total of 1245 patients were included. Mean age was 71.2 (SD:13.7) years old and 51.1% were women. In 2019, 797 patients aged over 40 years of age were treated, while in 2020, the patients seen were 448, which represented a decrease of 43.79%. The prevalence of pulmonary embolism was higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (1.6% vs. 0.4%; P=0.024). The frequency of venous thrombotic events was also higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (1.35% vs. 0.4%; P=0.054). The overall prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease with composite variable (pulmonary thromboembolism + venous thrombosis) was statistically significantly higher in 2020 versus 2019 (2.9% versus 0.8%; P=0.003). None of our patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 and thromboembolism.Conclusions: during the period of confinement during the pandemic there was an increase in the number of acute thromboembolic events in adults, both PE and VTE compared to the previous year.(AU)

Single antiplatelet therapy after left atrial appendage closure in patients with AF: safety and effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal antithrombotic strategy following left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is poorly defined in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of a single antiplatelet treatment (SAPT) strategy after LAAC in a population at high risk of ischemic and bleeding events. METHODS: This single-center, observational, prospective study included a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent LAAC using the LAmbre device (Lifetech Scientific, China) and who were discharged with SAPT. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, and device-related thrombosis during follow-up. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and major bleeding events (BARC ≥3a). Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months and subsequently on an annual basis. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed at 1 and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The study comprised 74 patients. The median age was 77 [72-83] years and 43% were women. The cohort exhibited a high prevalence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. The median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4 [3-6] and 4 [4-5], respectively. The median length of follow-up was 2.5 years (188 patients-year). During follow-up, device-related thrombosis occurred in 3 patients (4%). Ischemic stroke occurred in 1 patient (1.3%, rate 0.5%/y), representing a 90.9% relative risk reduction compared with the risk predicted by CHA2DS2-VASc. Major bleeding events occurred in 12 patients (16%, 6.4%/y), with a relative risk reduction of 26.4% of that predicted by HAS-BLED. Cardiovascular-related mortality was observed in 2 patients (2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: SAPT appears to be a safe and effective treatment following LAAC in patients at high ischemic and hemorrhagic risk. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

PrOgnosis in Pulmonary Embolism (PoPE): 30-Day mortality risk score based on five admission parameters.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Several scoring systems have been developed for risk stratification in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and its simplified version (sPESI) are among the most used, however the high number of variables hinder its application. Our aim was to derive an easy-to-perform score based on simple parameters obtained at admission to predict 30-day mortality in acute PE patients. METHODS: Retrospective study in 1115 patients with acute PE from two institutions (derivation cohort n=835, validation cohort n=280). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 30 days. Statistically and clinically relevant variables were selected for multivariable Cox regression analysis. We derived and validated a multivariable risk score model and compared to other established scores. RESULTS: The primary endpoint occurred in 207 patients (18.6%). Our model included five variables weighted as follows: modified shock index ≥1.1 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.57, 1.68-3.92, p<0.001), active cancer (HR 2.27, 1.45-3.56, p<0.001), altered mental state (HR 3.82, 2.50-5.83, p<0.001), serum lactate concentration ≥2.50 mmol/L (HR 5.01, 3.25-7.72, p<0.001), and age ≥80 years (HR 1.95, 1.26-3.03, p=0.003). The prognostic ability was superior to other scores (area under curve [AUC] 0.83 [0.79-0.87] vs 0.72 [0.67-0.79] in PESI and 0.70 [0.62-0.75] in sPESI, p<0.001) and its performance in the validation cohort was deemed good (73 events in 280 patients, 26.1%, AUC=0.76, 0.71-0.82, p<0.0001) and superior to other scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PoPE score (https://tinyurl.com/ybsnka8s) is an easy tool with superior performance to predict early mortality in patients admitted for PE with non-high-risk PE.

Catheter-directed therapy for acute pulmonary embolism: results of a multicenter national registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Catheter-directed therapy (CDT) for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is an emerging therapy that combines heterogeneous techniques. The aim of the study was to provide a nationwide contemporary snapshot of clinical practice and CDT-related outcomes. METHODS: This Investigator-initiated multicenter registry aimed to include consecutive patients with intermediate-high risk (IHR) or high-risk (HR), acute PE eligible for CDT. The primary outcome of the study was in-hospital all-cause death. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients were included, of whom 93 (36.8%) had HR-PE, and 160 (63.2%) had IHR-PE with a mean age of 62.3±15.1 years. Local thrombolysis was performed in 70.8% and aspiration thrombectomy in 51.8%, with 23.3% of patients receiving both. However, aspiration thrombectomy was favored in the HR-PE cohort (80.6% vs 35%; P<.001). Only 51 patients (20.2%) underwent CDT with specific PE devices. The success rate for CDT was 90.9% (98.1% of IHR-PE patients vs 78.5% of HR-PE patients, P<.001). In-hospital mortality was 15.5%, and was highly concentrated in the HR-PE patients (37.6%) and significantly lower in IHR-PE patients (2.5%), P<.001. Long-term (24-month) mortality was 40.2% in HR-PE patients vs 8.2% in IHR-PE patients (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high success rate for CDT, in-hospital mortality in HR-PE is still high (37.6%) compared with very low IHR-PE mortality (2.5%).

Tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo de riesgo intermedio: ¿está indicada la trombólisis sistémica? / Acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism: is systemic thrombolytic therapy indicated?

Introducción: el tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) se ha clasificado de acuerdo con las características del paciente y los hallazgos paraclínicos en riesgo bajo, intermedio y alto, siendo la mayor dificultad para el clínico el manejo del TEP de tipo intermedio, antes conocido como submasivo, donde existe controversia sobre las recomendaciones para trombólisis sistémica. Algunos autores y publicaciones señalan su uso, pero la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología (ESC) y la Asociación Americana de Hematología (ASH) no lo recomiendan. Materiales y métodos: revisión sistemática de la literatura con un total de 28 artículos extraídos de la búsqueda en las bases de datos; de estos, 7 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión (6 revisiones sistemáticas/metaanálisis y una prueba de análisis secuencial sobre ensayos aleatorizados), para un compendio de 39.879 pacientes con TEP. Resultados: dentro de los desenlaces evaluados, el sangrado mayor ocurrió en 8.1 a 9.24%, la mortalidad en quienes se les realizó trombólisis sistémica se reportó entre un 2.1 y 2.2%, encontrando disminución en el riesgo de deterioro hemodinámico al comparar la trombólisis sistémica con la anticoagulación, informando 4.1% versus 14.1% respectivamente. Discusión y conclusiones: en los estudios analizados, la trombólisis sistémica en los pacientes con TEP de riesgo intermedio no demostró impacto en cuanto a mortalidad ni desarrollo de hipertensión pulmonar secundaria, sin embargo, existe evidencia contradictoria respecto a su posible valor en la recurrencia del evento, que en la mayoría de los casos sobrepasa el riesgo de sangrado mayor (cercano a 10%).

Introduction: pulmonary embolism (PE) can be classified into low, intermediate, and high-risk, based on the patient characteristics and symptoms. Intermediate-risk PE, formerly known as submassive PE, poses the greatest challenge to clinicians, as indication for systemic thrombolytic therapy, remains controversial. Some authors and publications recommend its use, but the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) do not. Materials and methods: a systematic literature review of 28 articles retrieved from search databases; of which, 7 met the inclusion criteria (6 systematic reviews/meta-analyses and a sequential analysis test on randomized trials) analyzing 39.879 PE patients. Results: among the assessed outcomes, major bleeding occurred in 8.1 to 9.24%, mortality in those who underwent systemic thrombolytic therapy was reported to be 2.1 to 2.2%; when comparing systemic thrombolytic therapy with anticoagulation therapy for preventing hemodynamic deterioration, the results were 4.1% and 14.1% respectively. Discussion and conclusions: the analyzed studies evidenced no impact on mortality or development of secondary pulmonary hypertension, in intermediate-risk PE patients receiving systemic thrombolytic therapy. However, results on its possible prevention of PE recurrence, while exceeding the risk of major bleeding (in nearly 10%), in most cases, are contradictory.

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.

A mudança de paradigma no tratamento do tromboembolismo venoso grave / The paradigm shift in treatment of severe venous thromboembolism

Resumo A embolia pulmonar (EP) é a terceira maior causa de morte cardiovascular e a principal de morte evitável intra-hospitalar no mundo. O conceito PERT® (do inglês, pulmonary embolism response team) envolve seu diagnóstico e tratamento precoce e multidisciplinar. A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) é a sua causa inicial na maioria dos casos e é responsável por complicações como a recidiva tromboembólica, a síndrome pós-trombótica e a hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica crônica. Uma abordagem inicial semelhante ao PERT nos casos de TVP ilíaco-femoral grave pode reduzir não apenas o risco imediato de EP e morte, mas também suas sequelas tardias. Novas técnicas percutâneas e aparatos de trombectomia mecânica para o tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) vêm demonstrando resultados clínicos encorajadores. Propomos o desenvolvimento de um conceito ampliado de resposta rápida ao TEV, que envolve não apenas a EP (PERT®) mas também os casos graves de TVP: o time de resposta rápida para o TEV (TRETEV®), ou do inglês Venous Thromboembolism Response Team (VTERT®).

Abstract 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®).

Síndrome de Nicolau por fármacos autoinyectables en la esclerosis múltiple / Nicolau syndrome due to self-injectable drugs in multiple sclerosis

Introducción y objetivos: El síndrome de Nicolau, o embolia cutis medicamentosa, es una complicación cutánea infrecuente de los fármacos inyectados que se ha descrito escasamente en relación con los fármacos empleados en la esclerosis múltiple. Pacientes y métodos: Es un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes afectos de síndrome de Nicolau que reciben fármacos autoinyectables para la esclerosis múltiple desde 2010 hasta octubre de 2022. Resultados: Desde enero de 2010 hasta octubre de 2022 se ha seguido en nuestra consulta de patología desmielinizante a 449 pacientes con fármacos autoinyectables –317 con interferón beta y 132 con acetato de glatiramer (AG)–. En este período de tiempo se han recogido 10 episodios de síndrome de Nicolau en siete pacientes (seis hombres y una mujer) que recibían AG, lo que supone un 5,3% del total de pacientes bajo ese tratamiento. Las zonas más afectadas fueron el glúteo (n = 4) y el brazo (n = 3). Tres pacientes (42,8%) sufrieron un segundo episodio. Conclusión: El síndrome de Nicolau es una complicación exclusiva del AG y más frecuente en hombres en nuestra cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. La recurrencia de esta complicación cutánea es frecuente en un mismo paciente, lo que es un factor que hay que tener en cuenta en la decisión de mantener el fármaco o cambiar a otra estrategia terapéutica.(AU)

Introduction and aims: Nicolau syndrome, or embolia cutis medicamentosa, is a rare cutaneous complication of drug injection that has been rarely described in relation to medication used in multiple sclerosis. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with Nicolau syndrome receiving self-injectable multiple sclerosis medication from 2010 to October 2022. Results: From January 2010 to October 2022, 449 patients were followed up in our demyelinating pathology unit with self-injectable drugs - 317 with beta interferons and 132 with glatiramer acetate (GA). In this period of time, 10 episodes of Nicolau syndrome were recorded in seven patients (six men and one woman) receiving GA, which represents 5.3% of the total number of patients receiving this treatment. The most commonly affected areas were the buttocks (n = 4) and the arms (n = 3). Three patients (42.8%) suffered a second episode. Conclusion: Nicolau syndrome is a complication unique to GA and more frequent in men in our cohort of multiple sclerosis patients. This cutaneous complication frequently recurs in the same patient, which is a factor to be taken into account in the decision to maintain the drug or switch to another therapeutic strategy.(AU)

Infarto pulmonar: signos que no debemos dejar pasar en TC de tórax sin contraste / Pulmonary infarction: the signs that we must not miss in chest CT without contrast

Resumen El infarto pulmonar (IP) resulta de la oclusión de las arterias pulmonares distales que generan isquemia, hemorragia y finalmente necrosis del parénquima pulmonar, siendo la causa más frecuente la embolia pulmonar (EP). El diagnóstico oportuno de IP permite el inicio precoz del tratamiento y el respectivo manejo de sostén, disminuyendo así la morbimortalidad asociada. El objetivo de esta revisión es remarcar la importancia de identificar aquellos signos, que en la tomografía computada (TC) sin contraste son altamente sensibles y específicos para el diagnóstico de IP. La TC de alta resolución constituye el método que más información aporta, pudiendo observar signos clásicos de IP como la opacidad en forma de cuña, opacidad con radiolucencia central y el signo del vaso nutricio; así como signos con alto valor predictivo negativo para IP, como la opacidad consolidativa con broncograma aéreo, sugestivo de otras patologías, ya sean infecciosas o tumorales.

Abstract Pulmonary infarction (PI) results from occlusion of the distal pulmonary arteries leading to ischemia, hemorrhage, and necrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma. The most common cause of pulmonary infarction is pulmonary embolism (PE). Early diagnosis of PI allows early initiation of treatment and supportive care, thus reducing the associated morbidity and mortality. This review aims to highlight the importance of identifying signs that are highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of PE even without IV contrast. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) is the method that provides the most information, as it observes classic signs of PI such as wedge-shaped opacity, central lucencies in peripheral consolidation, and the feeding vessel sign, as well as signs with high negative predictive value such as consolidating opacity with air bronchogram that are suggestive of other pathologies, whether infectious or tumoural.

Shock Index and Physiological Stress Index for reestratifying patients with intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: Study and Evaluation of Two Scores: Shock Index (SI) and Physiological Stress Index (PSI) as discriminators for proactive treatment (reperfusion before decompensated shock) in a population of intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE). DESIGN: Using a database from a retrospective cohort with clinical variables and the outcome variable of "proactive treatment", a comparison of the populations was conducted. Optimal cut-off for "proactive treatment" points were obtained according to the SI and PSI. Comparisons were carried out based on the cut-off points of both indices. SETTING: Patients admitted to a mixed ICU for PE. PARTICIPANTS: Patients >18 years old admitted to the ICU with intermediate-high risk PE recruited from January 2015 to October 2022. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Population comparison and metrics regarding predictive capacity when determining proactive treatment. RESULTS: SI and PSI independently have a substandard predictive capacity for discriminating patients who may benefit from an early reperfusion therapy. However, their combined use improves detection of sicker intermediate-high risk PE patients (Sensitivity = 0.66) in whom an early reperfusion therapy may improve outcomes (Specificity = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the SI and PSI in patients with intermediate-high risk PE could be useful for selecting patients who would benefit from proactive treatment.

[Treatment of cardiogenic shock due to right ventricular involvement]. / Tratamiento del choque cardiogénico con compromiso ventricular derecho.

The right ventricle is susceptible to changes in preload, afterload, and contractility. The answer is its dilation with dysfunction/acute failure; filling is limited to the left ventricle and cardiac output. Systemic venous congestion is retrograde to the right heart, it is involved in the genesis of cardiogenic shock due to right ventricle involvement. This form of shock is less well known than that which occurs due to left ventricular failure, therefore, treatment may differ. Once the primary treatment has been carried out, since no response is obtained, supportive treatment aimed at ventricular pathophysiology will be the next option. It is suggested to evaluate the preload for the reasoned indication of liquids, diuretics or even ultrafiltration. Restore or maintain heart rate and sinus rhythm, treat symptomatic bradycardia, arrhythmias that make patients unstable, use of temporary pacing or cardioversion procedures. Improving contractility and vasomotility, using vasopressors and inotropes, alone or in combination, the objective will be to improve right coronary perfusion pressure. Balance the effect of drugs and maneuvers on preload and/or afterload, such as mechanical ventilation, atrial septostomy and pulmonary vasodilators. And the increasing utility of mechanical support of the circulation that has become a useful tool to preserve/restore right heart function.

El ventrículo derecho es susceptible a cambios en la precarga, poscarga y la contractilidad y la respuesta fisiopatológica es la dilatación con disfunción/falla aguda lo que limita el llenado del ventrículo izquierdo y el gasto cardiaco. La congestión venosa sistémica, está implicada en la génesis del choque cardiogénico con compromiso del ventrículo derecho. Esta forma de choque es menos conocida que la que sucede por falla ventricular izquierda, por ende, el tratamiento puede diferir. La primera línea de tratamiento son las medidas de soporte y en caso de no funcionar, el tratamiento dirigido a la fisiopatología ventricular será la siguiente opción. Se sugiere evaluar la precarga para la indicación razonada de líquidos, diuréticos o la ultrafiltración. Restaurar o mantener la frecuencia cardiaca y el ritmo sinusal, tratar la bradicardia sintomática, las arritmias que inestabilizan a los pacientes, el uso de marcapaso temporal o procedimientos de cardioversión. Mejorar la contractilidad y vasomotilidad a través del uso de vasopresores e inotrópicos, solos o combinados, el objetivo será mejorar la presión de perfusión coronaria derecha. Balancear el efecto de fármacos y maniobras en la precarga y/o poscarga, como la ventilación mecánica, septostomía atrial y vasodilatadores pulmonares. Y la creciente utilidad del soporte mecánico de la circulación que se ha convertido en una herramienta útil para preservar/restaurar la función cardiaca derecha.

Embolia cutis Medicamentosa (Nicolau syndrome): case series.

Introduction: Embolia cutis medicamentosa or Nicolau syndrome is a rare drug reaction associated with the administration of various injectable medications. The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, though intra and periarterial injection of the drug is a possible cause. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the clinical characteristics of Nicolau syndrome in patients examined in daily dermatological practice. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review, between January 2011 and December 2020, in patients diagnosed with Nicolau syndrome, from the cases of a private dermatology medical office in Târgu Mureș, Romania. Results: During the 10-year period, 7 patients were diagnosed with Nicolau syndrome. Of these, 4 (57%) patients were males and 3 (43%) were females, The male to female ratio was 1.33. The median age was 64 (interquartile range, IQR, 62-71), with the youngest patient being diagnosed at age 61 and the oldest at age 74. Regarding the drugs classes that caused Nicolau syndrome, these were intravenous antibiotics in 57%, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 43% of cases. Conclusion: All patients healed in a period of 6 to 8 weeks. No complications occurred. In conclusion, Nicolau syndrome is a rare side effect of injectable drug administration.

Serum PLA2R antibody as a predictive biomarker for venous thromboembolism risk in primary membranous nephropathy / El anticuerpo PLA2R sérico como biomarcador predictivo del riesgo de tromboembolia venosa en la nefropatía membranosa primaria

Background Patients with nephrotic syndrome are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is a marker of primary membranous nephropathy activity. This study investigated the predictive value of PLA2R antibodies in PMN for VTE.Methods In this retrospective study, we included 97 PMN patients and evaluated the predictive value of serum PLA2R antibodies for VTE risk. Lower extremity venous ultrasound, renal vein ultrasound, or spiral computed tomography pulmonary arteriography were used to assess VTE events. Serum anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The risk of VTE was stratified according to serum albumin levels. Results Twenty PMN patients (21%) had thromboembolic events. Eight (15%) of patients with serum albumin >25g/l developed VTE, 6 of whom were positive for serum PLA2R antibodies. Positive serum PLA2R antibodies were significantly associated with VTE events in patients with serum albumin >25g/l (p=0.01). Age, sex, blood creatinine, serum albumin, and 24-h urine protein levels were not statistically different between the two groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis using the log-rank test revealed anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy patients had more probability of VTE events than anti-PLA2R negative patients. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that lnPLA2R-Ab is an unfavorable predictor for VTE events in patients with serum albumin >25g/l (hazard ratio (HR) 2.1, p=0.01). Conclusions The PLA2R antibody was a risk predictor for thromboembolic events in patients with primary membranous nephropathy with serum albumin >25g/l (AU)

Antecedentes Los pacientes con síndrome nefrótico presentan un alto riesgo de tromboembolia venosa (TEV), especialmente en el caso de la nefropatía membranosa primaria (NMP). El receptor de fosfolipasa A2 (PLA2R) es un marcador de la actividad de la NMP. Este estudio investigó el valor predictivo de los anticuerpos PLA2R en NMP para TEV. Métodos En este estudio retrospectivo, se incluyeron 97 pacientes con NMP y se evaluó el valor predictivo de los anticuerpos PLA2R en suero para el riesgo de TEV. Se utilizaron la ecografía venosa de las extremidades inferiores, la ecografía de la vena renal o la arteriografía pulmonar por tomografía computarizada en espiral para evaluar los episodios de TEV. Los anticuerpos séricos anti-PLA2R se detectaron mediante un ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA). El riesgo de TEV se estratificó en función de los niveles de albúmina sérica. Resultados Veinte pacientes con NMP (21%) presentaron episodios tromboembólicos. Ocho (15%) de los pacientes con albúmina sérica>25g/l desarrollaron TEV, 6 de los cuales fueron positivos para anticuerpos PLA2R séricos. La positividad de los anticuerpos PLA2R séricos se asoció significativamente con episodios de TEV en pacientes con albúmina sérica>25g/l (p=0,01). La edad, el sexo, la creatinina en sangre, la albúmina sérica y los niveles de proteínas en orina de 24h no fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre los 2 grupos. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier mediante la prueba de rangos logarítmicos reveló que los pacientes con nefropatía membranosa positivos para anti-PLA2R tenían más probabilidad de sufrir TEV que los pacientes negativos para anti-PLA2R. El análisis univariante de riesgos proporcionales de Cox reveló que ln PLA2R-Ab es un predictor desfavorable de episodios de TEV en pacientes con albúmina sérica>25g/l (hazard ratio 2,1; p=0,01). Conclusiones El anticuerpo PLA2R fue un predictor de riesgo de episodios tromboembólicos en pacientes con NMP con albúmina sérica>25g/l (AU)

Surgical experience in cardiac myxomas at a tertiary hospital / Experiencia quirúrgica en mixomas cardiacos en un hospital de tercer nivel

Introduction Cardiac myxomas account for 50% of all benign cardiac tumors. Their clinical presentation varies from embolisms to fever. Our objective was to describe the surgical experience in the resection of cardiac myxomas during an 8-year period.MethodsThis is a retrospective, descriptive study of a series of cases with cardiac myxomas diagnosed from 2014 to 2022 at a tertiary care center. Descriptive statistics were used to define the populational and surgical characteristics. We used Pearson’s correlation to study the relationship between postoperative complications and age, tumor size and affected cardiac chamber.Results31 patients were included, with a predominance of females (1:2 ratio). The prevalence was 0.44%, which was calculated based on the number of cardiac surgeries performed in our unit over the 8-year period. The main clinical manifestation was dyspnea (85%, n = 23), followed by cerebrovascular event (CVE) (18%, n = 5). Atriotomy and resection of the pedicle were performed with preservation of the interatrial septum. Mortality was 3.2%. The postoperative evolution was uneventful in 77%. Tumor recurrence occurred in 2 patients (7%), both debuting with embolic phenomena. No association was observed between postoperative complications or recurrence and tumor size, nor aortic clamping and extracorporeal circulation times with regard to age.ConclusionsFour atrial myxoma resections are performed in our unit per year, with an estimated prevalence of 0.44%. The tumor characteristics described coincide with the previous literature. A relationship between embolisms and recurrences cannot be ruled out. Wide surgical resection of the pedicle and base of tumor implantation may influence tumor recurrence, although further studies are needed. (AU)

Introducción Los mixomas cardíacos representan el 50% de los tumores cardíacos benignos. La presentación clínica varía desde embolismos hasta fiebre. El objetivo fue describir la experiencia quirúrgica en la resección de mixomas cardíacos durante 8 años.MétodosEstudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de serie de casos de mixomas cardíacos diagnosticados entre 2014 y 2022 en un centro de tercer nivel. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para definir las características poblacionales y quirúrgicas. Mediante la correlación de Pearson se estudió la relación entre las complicaciones postoperatorias y la edad, el tamaño del tumor y la cavidad cardiaca afectada.ResultadosSe incluyeron 31 pacientes, predominantemente mujeres (1:2). La prevalencia fue 0.44%, calculada en base a las cirugías cardíacas realizadas en nuestra unidad durante 8 años. La principal manifestación fue disnea (85%, n = 23), seguida de EVC (18%, n = 5). Se realizó atriotomía y resección del pedículo con preservación del tabique interauricular. La mortalidad fue del 3.2%. La evolución posquirúrgica fue adecuada en el 77%. La recidiva ocurrió en 2 pacientes (7%), debutando ambos con embolismos. No se observó asociación entre las complicaciones postoperatorias o recurrencia y el tamaño tumoral; ni en pinzamiento aórtico y los tiempos de circulación extracorpórea con respecto a la edad.ConclusionesEn nuestra unidad se realizan cuatro resecciones de mixoma auricular anuales (prevalencia de 0.44%). Las características tumorales descritas coinciden con la literatura previa. No se descarta relación entre embolismos y recurrencias. La resección amplia del pedículo y base del tumor puede influir en la recurrencia tumoral, aunque, se requieren más estudios. (AU)

Prevalence and predictors of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension following severe forms of acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The true prevalence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary embolism (PE) in the Portuguese population remains unknown. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of CTEPH two years after a symptomatic high- (HR) or intermediate-high risk (IHR) PE. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with PE between 2014 and 2019 to a Portuguese referral center for pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS: In this single-center registry of 969 patients admitted with PE (annual incidence of 46/100000 population), 194 had HR (5.4%) and IHR (14.7%) PE. After excluding patients who died or had no follow-up in the first three months, 129 patients were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of suspected CTEPH by clinical assessment, Doppler echocardiography and V/Q lung scan was 6.2% (eight patients). CTEPH was confirmed by right heart catheterization in four of these (3.1%). Increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) at admission (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04-1.22; p=0.005) and the presence of varicose veins in the lower limbs (OR 7.47; 95% CI 1.53-36.41; p=0.013) were predictors of CTEPH. PASP >60 mmHg at admission identified patients with CTEPH at follow-up with sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 76.3%, respectively. All patients diagnosed with CTEPH had at least two radiological findings suggestive of CTEPH at the index event. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the prevalence of CTEPH in survivors of severe forms of acute PE was 6.2%. PASP above 60 mmHg and supporting radiological findings on the index computed tomography scan are highly suggestive of acute-on-chronic CTEPH.