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®).

Descending aortic intramural hematoma with pulmonary embolism: A case report / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Aortic intramural hematoma and pulmonary embolism are two rapidly progressive and life-threatening diseases. A 65-year-old male patient with descending aortic intramural hematoma and pulmonary embolism underwent pulmonary embolectomy and descending aortic stent-graft placement, with good postoperative results.

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.

Embolia pulmonar en endocarditis infecciosa asociada a marcapasos: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Introducción: Una de las complicaciones más temidas de la endocarditis infecciosa (EI) asociada a marcapasos es la embolia pulmonar. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico actual de EI asociada a marcapasos, que luego de la extracción del dispositivo por vía percutánea presentó síntomas de embolia pulmonar confirmada mediante estudios por imágenes. Objetivos: Conocer el manejo y la evolución intrahospitalarios y a los 18 meses de la embolia pulmonar en el contexto de una endocarditis infecciosa asociada a marcapasos. Materiales y métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica efectuada en PubMed. Relato del caso clínico: evaluación clínica, presentación de los estudios complementarios y tratamiento. Seguimiento del caso. Resultados: Paciente de 68 años, sexo femenino, con antecedente de implantación de marcapaso definitivo bicameral hace 2 años. Síndrome febril prolongado sin foco aparente, con hemocultivos que fueron positivos para Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente. En el ecocardiograma transesofágico presentaba múltiples vegetaciones en aurícula derecha asociadas con los catéteres. Con base en la anamnesis, el examen físico y los hallazgos en exámenes específicos, se pudo lograr el diagnóstico de EI asociada a marcapasos. Se indicó tratamiento antibiótico y la remoción completa percutánea del dispositivo. Luego del procedimiento presentó disnea súbita confirmándose mediante estudio de centellograma ventilación-perfusión el diagnóstico de embolia pulmonar. Completó el tratamiento antibiótico (vancomicina durante 6 semanas) y fue dada de alta. Durante el seguimiento no presentó nuevas infecciones u otras complicaciones. Conclusión: En nuestro caso, la embolia pulmonar no generó modificaciones en la morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria ni en el seguimiento a 18 meses.

Introduction: One of the most feared infective endocarditis (IE) complications associated with pacemaker is pulmonary embolism. We present the case of a patient with a current diagnosis of pacemaker-associated IE who presented symptoms of pulmonary embolism confirmed by imaging studies after percutaneous removal of the device. Objectives: to know the management and evolution, in-hospital and at 18 months of pulmonary embolism in the context of infective endocarditis associated with pacemaker. Materials and methods: Bibliographic search carried out in PubMed. Clinical case report: clinical evaluation, presentation of complementary studies, and treatment. Follow up on the case. Results: 68-year-old patient with a history of dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation 2 years ago. Prolonged febrile syndrome with no apparent focus, with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The transesophageal echocardiogram showed multiple vegetations associated in right atrial with the catheters. Based on the history, physical examination, and findings in specific tests, the diagnosis of IE associated with DEIP could be achieved. Antibiotic treatment and complete percutaneous removal of the device were indicated. After the procedure, he presented sudden dyspnea, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in a ventilation-perfusion scintigram study. She completed the antibiotic treatment (vancomycin for 6 weeks) and was discharged. During follow-up, there were no new infections or other complications. Conclusion: in our patient pulmonary embolism did not generate changes in in-hospital morbidity and mortality or in the 18-month follow-up.

Embolia pulmonar en endocarditis infecciosa asociada a marcapasos: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Pulmonary embolism in infective endocarditis associated with pacemaker: report of a case and review of the literature

Introducción: Una de las complicaciones más temidas de la endocarditis infecciosa (EI) asociada a marcapasos es la embolia pulmonar. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico actual de EI asociada a marcapasos, que luego de la extracción del dispositivo por vía percutánea presentó síntomas de embolia pulmonar confirmada mediante estudios por imágenes. Objetivos: Conocer el manejo y la evolución intrahospitalarios y a los 18 meses de la embolia pulmonar en el contexto de una endocarditis infecciosa asociada a marcapasos. Materiales y métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica efectuada en PubMed. Relato del caso clínico: evaluación clínica, presentación de los estudios complementarios y tratamiento. Seguimiento del caso. Resultados: Paciente de 68 años, sexo femenino, con antecedente de implantación de marcapaso definitivo bicameral hace 2 años. Síndrome febril prolongado sin foco aparente, con hemocultivos que fueron positivos para Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente. En el ecocardiograma transesofágico presentaba múltiples vegetaciones en aurícula derecha asociadas con los catéteres. Con base en la anamnesis, el examen físico y los hallazgos en exámenes específicos, se pudo lograr el diagnóstico de EI asociada a marcapasos. Se indicó tratamiento antibiótico y la remoción completa percutánea del dispositivo. Luego del procedimiento presentó disnea súbita confirmándose mediante estudio de centellograma ventilación-perfusión el diagnóstico de embolia pulmonar. Completó el tratamiento antibiótico (vancomicina durante 6 semanas) y fue dada de alta. Durante el seguimiento no presentó nuevas infecciones u otras complicaciones. Conclusión: En nuestro caso, la embolia pulmonar no generó modificaciones en la morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria ni en el seguimiento a 18 meses.

Introduction: One of the most feared infective endocarditis (IE) complications associated with pacemaker is pulmonary embolism. We present the case of a patient with a current diagnosis of pacemaker-associated IE who presented symptoms of pulmonary embolism confirmed by imaging studies after percutaneous removal of the device. Objectives: to know the management and evolution, in-hospital and at 18 months of pulmonary embolism in the context of infective endocarditis associated with pacemaker. Materials and methods: Bibliographic search carried out in PubMed. Clinical case report: clinical evaluation, presentation of complementary studies, and treatment. Follow up on the case. Results: 68-year-old patient with a history of dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation 2 years ago. Prolonged febrile syndrome with no apparent focus, with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The transesophageal echocardiogram showed multiple vegetations associated in right atrial with the catheters. Based on the history, physical examination, and findings in specific tests, the diagnosis of IE associated with DEIP could be achieved. Antibiotic treatment and complete percutaneous removal of the device were indicated. After the procedure, he presented sudden dyspnea, confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in a ventilation-perfusion scintigram study. She completed the antibiotic treatment (vancomycin for 6 weeks) and was discharged. During follow-up, there were no new infections or other complications. Conclusion: in our patient pulmonary embolism did not generate changes in in-hospital morbidity and mortality or in the 18-month follow-up.

Pulmonary embolism in pediatrics: A 10-year experience from a tertiary center in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although still rare, pulmonary embolism (PE) in children has been increasing over the years. Data regarding this group of patients are still sparse, which contributes to the lack of standardized prophylaxis protocols and the misdiagnosis. This study aimed to determine the incidence of pediatric PE at a Brazilian tertiary hospital, describe clinical characteristics and identify possible risk factors. We also analyzed the diagnosis and management of PE. Methods: This was a retrospective review of tertiary Brazilian single-center data of all pediatric patients (0 - 18 years) with acute PE, diagnosed radiologically, from September 2009 to May 2019. Results: The incidence of PE was 3.3 cases per 10,000 hospitalized children. All the twenty-three cases had some risk factor identified and sixteen of them (69.5%) had more than one risk factor. The most important were central venous catheter (39.1%), malignancy (34.8%) and recent surgery (34.8%). Among the children with identifiable symptoms (69.5%), the most common was dyspnea (56.2%). Only one patient did not receive antithrombotic therapy because of the high bleeding risk and most patients (70.6%) were treated for 3 to 6 months. Among the nineteen patients alive at the end of the six-month follow-up, ten (52.6%) repeated the PE image control. Seven of them (70.0%) had complete or partial resolution of the thrombosis and none had worsening images. Conclusion: Our lower incidence than that of the current literature may reflect underdiagnosis due to low suspicion of PE. At least one risk factor was identified in all patients, which emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness of high-risk children.

Infarto pulmonar cavitado en mujer con lupus eritematoso sistémico asociado a síndrome antifosfolípido

Tanto lupus eritematoso sistémico como el síndrome antifosfolípido son enfermedades autoinmunes con potencial tromboembólico, sobre todo por la presencia de anticuerpos trombogénicos. El pulmón es un lugar común donde suele asentarse un trombo y generar una tromboembolia, a veces con posterior infarto y cavitación. Existen pocos estudios que informen un infarto pulmonar cavitado en un paciente con lupus asociado a síndrome antifosfolípido. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 24 años con síntomas generales y lesión pulmonar derecha cavitada. Fue tratada inicialmente como infección tuberculosa o fúngica. La analítica y las imágenes orientaron y diagnosticaron lupus asociado a síndrome antifosfolípido, complicado con tromboembolismo pulmonar que luego pasó a cavitarse. La paciente mejoró considerablemente con anticoagulantes, corticoides y ciclofosfamida.

Both systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome are autoimmune diseases with thromboembolic potential, especially due to the presence of thrombogenic antibodies. The lung is a common place where a thrombus usually settles and generates a thromboembolism, sometimes with subsequent infarction and cavitation. There are few studies reporting cavitary pulmonary infarction in a patient with lupus associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman with general symptoms and cavitated right lung lesion. She was initially treated as tuberculous or fungal infection. Laboratory tests and images guided and diagnosed lupus associated with antiphospholipid syndrome, complicated by pulmonary thromboembolism that later became cavitated. The patient improved considerably with anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and cyclophosphamide.

Tromboembolismo pulmonar asociado a COVID-19 en paciente con síndrome de May-Thurner / COVID-19-associated Pulmonary Thromboembolism in a Patient with May-Thurner Syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de May-Thurner es una enfermedad cuya prevalencia real es desconocida. Suele ser asintomática y las manifestaciones clínicas aparecen en el contexto de las complicaciones asociadas a la enfermedad. La aproximación diagnóstica se realiza por medio de imágenes, donde se identifican alteraciones patognomónicas que permiten descartar diagnósticos diferenciales. Se ha demostrado que la COVID-19 genera un estado protrombótico, que en contexto del síndrome de May-Thurner puede derivar en complicaciones tromboembólicas. Objetivo: Comparar la clínica y la posible relación de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa en el curso de la COVID-19 en pacientes con SMT. Caso clínico: Mujer de 24 años, secretaria de profesión y residente en Bucaramanga. Presentó un cuadro clínico de 20 días de evolución que inició con rinorrea hialina, tos ocasional y mialgias; cinco días después manifestó fiebre no cuantificada y tos con expectoración hemoptoica. Conclusiones: Dentro de la fisiopatología de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 se desarrollan mecanismos procoagulantes, lo cual incrementa el riesgo de eventos trombóticos en pacientes con o sin factores de riesgo(AU)

Introduction: May-Thurner syndrome is a disease whose actual prevalence is unknown. It is usually asymptomatic and clinical manifestations appear in the context of complications associated with the disease. The diagnostic approach is performed by imaging, where pathognomonic alterations are identified to rule out differential diagnoses. It has been demonstrated that COVID-19 generates a prothrombotic state, which particularly in patients with May-Thurner syndrome would lead to thromboembolic complications. Objective: To compare the clinical and possible relationship of venous thromboembolic disease in the course of COVID-19 in patients with May-Thurner syndrome. Clinical case: 24-year-old woman, secretary by profession and resident in Bucaramanga, Colombia. She presented a clinical picture of 20 days of evolution that began with hyaline rhinorrhea, occasional cough and myalgias; five days later she manifested unquantified fever and cough with hemoptotic expectoration. Conclusions: Within the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, procoagulant mechanisms develop, which increases the risk of thrombotic events in patients with or without risk factors(AU)

Double Outlet Right Ventricle Infective Endocarditis: A Rare Combination and a Therapeutic Challenge

Infective endocarditis involving the right side of the heart occurs rarely and often involves the tricuspid valve. The isolated pulmonary valve infective endocarditis (IPVIE) is a less common condition that occurs in specific population. The double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is an unusual congenital heart disease. The association of DORV and IPVIE darkens the prognosis. We report two cases of the association of DORV and IPVIE. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the base to the diagnosis. Right sided infective endocarditis in the lack of a guided strategy remains a therapeutic challenge.

Cardiogenic shock due to pulmonary thromboembolism: the role of surgical thrombectomy / Shock cardiogénico debido a tromboembolismo pulmonar: el papel de trombectomía quirúrgica

Abstract A 53-year-old male patient with history of repaired hernia, who is admitted for 5 days of progressive dyspnea with diagnosis of abdominal sepsis, a computed tomography angiography was made, revealing pulmonary embolism in bilateral main pulmonary artery, and cardiac thrombectomy was performed.

Resumen Paciente masculino de 53 años de edad con historial de reparación de hernia, quien fue ingresado por presentar 5 días de disnea progresiva con diagnóstico de sepsis abdominal, se le realizó una angiografía por tomografía computada, revelando embolismo bilateral arteria pulmonar principal, se realizó una trombectomía cardíaca.

The Effect of Perioperative Fluid Management and Operative Modifications on Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Endarterectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a severe disease treated with pulmonary endarterectomy. Our study aims to reveal the differences in liquid modalities and operation modifications, which can affect the patients' mortality and morbidity. Methods: One hundred twenty-five patients who were diagnosed with CTEPH and underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) at our center between February 2011 and September 2013 were included in this retrospective study with prospective observation. They were in New York Heart Association functional class II, III, or IV, and mean pulmonary artery pressure was > 40 mmHg. There were two groups, the crystalloid (Group 1) and colloid (Group 2) liquid groups, depending on the treatment fluids. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Although the two different fluid types did not show a significant difference in mortality between groups, fluid balance sheets significantly affected the intragroup mortality rate. Negative fluid balance significantly decreased mortality in Group 1 (P<0.01). There was no difference in mortality in positive or negative fluid balance in Group 2 (P>0.05). Mean duration of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for Group 1 was 6.2 days and for Group 2 was 5.4 days (P>0.05). Readmission rate to the ICU for respiratory or non-respiratory reasons was 8.3% (n=4) in Group 1 and 11.7% (n=9) in Group 2 (P>0.05). Conclusion: Changes in fluid management have an etiological significance on possible complications in patient follow-up. We believe that as new approaches are reported, the number of comorbid events will decrease.

Surgical Management of Massive Pulmonary Embolism Presenting with Cardiopulmonary Arrest: How Far Is Too Far?

ABSTRACT The incidence of diagnosed massive pulmonary embolism presenting to the Emergency Department is between 3% and 4.5% and it is associated with high mortality if not intervened timely. Cardiopulmonary arrest in this subset of patients carries a very poor prognosis, and various treating pathways have been applied with modest rate of success. Systemic thrombolysis is an established first line of treatment, but surgeons are often involved in the decision-making because of the improving surgical pulmonary embolectomy outcomes.

Presentations of pulmonary embolism in COVID-19: An Indian case series

The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) among COVID-19 infections is significantly high. However, in resource-limited settings, appropriate computed tomography (CT) imaging is not possible for all COVID-19 patients. Very sick patients suspected of a PE may not be fit to be shifted to the CT room. Hence, it is likely that PE is underdiagnosed in Indian COVID-19 patients. Coexisting PE should be considered in all patients with influenza-like illnesses who have a Type 1 respiratory failure out of proportion to the severity of COVID-19 radiology. In this case series, we discuss the different presentations of PE in patients with COVID-19.

Venous thromboembolism incidence in postoperative breast cancer patients

Abstract Background Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of morbidity in cancer patients. Breast cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment are at an increased risk of VTE. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of VTE in patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of breast cancer and to identify the related risk factors. Methods A historical cohort of patients at the São Paulo State Cancer Institute (ICESP) underwent surgery for breast cancer. The inclusion criteria covered patients with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ who had breast surgery anytime from January 2016 to December 2018. Results Of the 1672 patients included in the study, 15 had a confirmed diagnosis of VTE (0.9%), and 3 of these had deep vein thrombosis (0.2%), and 12, had pulmonary thromboembolism (0.7%). Clinical and tumoral characteristics did not differ between the groups. The incidence of VTE was higher in patients who had undergone skin-sparing mastectomy or nipple-sparing mastectomy (p = 0.032). Immediate reconstruction, particularly with abdominal-based flaps (4.7%), increased VTE events (p = 0.033). Median surgical time was higher in patients with VTE episodes (p = 0.027), and total hospital length of stay increased in days (6 days vs. 2 days, p = 0.001). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative prophylaxis with Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) were associated with lower VTE rates (0.2% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.048 and 0.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.039; respectively) in these patients. Conclusions The incidence of VTE events in breast cancer patients who underwent surgery was 0.9%. Immediate reconstruction (especially with abdominal-based flaps), skin-sparing/nipple-sparing mastectomies, and longer surgeries were associated with increased risk. The LMWH postoperative prophylaxis reduced this risk.

Successful use of rivaroxaban achieving therapeutic anti-factor xa levels in a morbidly obese patient with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism / Uso bem-sucedido de rivaroxabana com níveis terapêuticos de antifator xa em paciente com obesidade mórbida e embolia pulmonar aguda de risco intermediário-alto

Abstract Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become the standard of care for acute and long-term therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to their efficacy and safety profiles. The 2021 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines recommend using standard DOAC dosages in patients with BMI >40 kg/m2 or weight >120 kg. Use of DOACs remains uncertain in morbidly obese patients with VTE, including acute PE. A morbidly obese woman in her 30s who presented with acute worsening of dyspnea was diagnosed with acute intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism and concomitant proximal deep vein thrombosis, constituting a clinically challenging scenario for treating her with rivaroxaban. Standard doses of rivaroxaban for acute and extended phase treatment of venous thromboembolism in individuals with morbid obesity at BMI>70 kg/m2 may be effective, and safe.

Resumo Devido à sua eficácia e aos seus perfis de segurança, os anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs) tornaram-se o padrão de cuidado para a terapia aguda e de longo prazo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV). As diretrizes da Sociedade Internacional de Trombose e Hemostasia de 2021 recomendam o uso de dosagens padrão de DOACs em pacientes com índice de massa corporal (IMC) > 40 kg/m2 ou peso > 120 kg. O uso de DOACs em pacientes com obesidade mórbida e TEV, incluindo embolia pulmonar aguda, ainda não foi esclarecido. Uma mulher com obesidade mórbida na faixa dos 30 anos que apresentou piora aguda da dispneia foi diagnosticada com embolia pulmonar aguda de risco intermediário-alto e trombose venosa profunda proximal concomitante, com o cenário clínico desafiador de tratá-la com rivaroxabana. Doses padrão de rivaroxabana para tratamento e recorrência de tromboembolismo venoso em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida e IMC > 70 kg/m2 podem ser eficazes e seguras.

Acute pulmonary embolism as a complication in a young male patient with a left popliteal venous aneurysm / Embolia pulmonar aguda como complicação em paciente masculino jovem com aneurisma venoso poplíteo esquerdo

Abstract Venous aneurysms are rare and have a prevalence of 0.1 to 0.2% in the reported series. Typically, patients do not present any symptoms, but are prone to develop deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and the most feared complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). We present the case of a previously healthy 36-year-old man who presented at the emergency department with tachycardia, dyspnea, and pleuritic pain. A thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. He was treated with systemic thrombolysis and anticoagulation. In the further workup of the cause of the embolism, computed tomography revealed a fusiform dilation of the left popliteal vein measuring 3 by 3 centimeters (cm) with an incomplete filling defect because of thrombus presence. The patient underwent open surgical repair. At one month follow-up, he was asymptomatic, and an ultrasound revealed complete patency of the popliteal vein without dilatation or thrombus.

Resumo Aneurismas venosos são raros, tendo uma prevalência de 0,1 a 0,2% nas séries relatadas. Os pacientes não costumam manifestar sintomas; entretanto, são propensos a desenvolver trombose venosa profunda e a complicação mais temida, embolia pulmonar. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 36 anos previamente hígido que chegou ao serviço de emergência queixando-se de taquicardia, dispneia e dor pleurítica. Uma angiotomografia computadorizada confirmou o diagnóstico de embolia pulmonar aguda. O paciente foi tratado com trombólise sistêmica e anticoagulantes. Em exames posteriores para investigar a causa da embolia, uma tomografia computadorizada revelou dilatação fusiforme da veia poplítea esquerda medindo 3x3 cm, com enchimento incompleto devido à presença de um trombo. O paciente foi submetido a reparo cirúrgico aberto. No seguimento de 1 mês, ele estava assintomático, e uma ultrassonografia revelou a patência completa da veia poplítea, sem dilatação ou trombo.

Adequação da estratificação de risco e da profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso em hospital universitário terciário / Adequacy of venous thromboembolism risk stratification and prophylaxis in a tertiary university hospital

Resumo Contexto O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) é a terceira doença cardiovascular mais comum e a principal causa de óbito evitável em pacientes internados. Apesar de diretrizes bem estabelecidos na literatura, a profilaxia dessa afecção ainda é subutilizada. Estudos apontam taxa de adequação da profilaxia próxima de 50% mundialmente. Objetivos Avaliar a adequação da estratificação de risco e da prescrição de medidas de profilaxia do TEV em um hospital universitário terciário. Métodos Estudo transversal observacional realizado através da coleta de dados de prontuário. Foram incluídos pacientes adultos internados em diferentes especialidades e divididos em grupos cirúrgico e clínico. A estratificação de risco de TEV realizada pelos médicos assistentes foi comparada com a realizada pelos médicos pesquisadores, com base nas diretrizes recentes. A prescrição de medidas de profilaxia realizadas pelos médicos assistentes foi comparada com as recomendações das diretrizes, obtendo assim a taxa de adequação da profilaxia. Resultados Foram avaliados 400 pacientes, sendo 169 (42,3%) cirúrgicos e 231 (57,7%) clínicos. A taxa geral de adequação da estratificação foi de 50,8%. Nos grupos cirúrgico e clínico, as taxas de adequação foram respectivamente 39,1% e 59,3% (p < 0,0001). A taxa geral de adequação da profilaxia foi de 71,5%, enquanto no grupo cirúrgico foi de 78,1% e no grupo clínico de 66,7% (p = 0,0137). Conclusões A adequação da estratificação de risco para TEV foi baixa, demonstrando a pouca conscientização dos médicos assistentes sobre esse problema. No entanto, as taxas de adequação da prescrição de medidas de profilaxia estão superiores às de dados globais.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease and the main cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients. Prophylaxis is still underused, despite well-established guidelines in the literature. Studies show a worldwide prophylaxis adequacy rate close to 50%. Objectives To assess the adequacy of risk stratification and prophylactic measures for venous thromboembolism in a tertiary university hospital. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, collecting data from medical records. Adult patients hospitalized by different specialties were enrolled and divided into surgical and clinical groups. The risk stratification of venous thromboembolism performed by the attending physicians was compared with stratification based on recent guidelines performed by the research physicians. Prophylaxis measures prescribed by the attending physicians were compared with guideline recommendations, thus obtaining the prophylaxis adequacy rate. Results 400 patients were analyzed, 169 (42.3%) surgical and 231 (57.7%) clinical. The overall stratification adequacy rate was 50.8%. Adequacy rates were 39.1% and 59.3% in the surgical and clinical groups respectively (P < 0.0001). The overall prophylaxis adequacy rate was 71.5%, with 78.1% in the surgical group and 66.7% in the clinical group (P=0.0137). Conclusions Risk stratification adequacy is low, demonstrating a low awareness among prescribing physicians of the need for adequate stratification for prescription of prophylaxis. However, the prophylaxis prescription adequacy rates are higher than those in global data.