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)

Tromboembolismo pulmonar como posible reacción adversa a Quetiapina Reporte de caso / Pulmonary thromboembolism as a possible adverse reaction to Quetiapine Case report

Resumen Algunos estudios sugieren que existe una relación entre el uso de antipsicóticos y el riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) y embolia pulmonar (EP). Sin embargo, los resultados siguen sin ser concluyentes. Se trata del caso de un Masculino de 23 años con antecedentes de Esquizofrenia y Depresión tratado quetiapina 800 mg, el cual es encontrado muerto en la cama de un hotel. En la necropsia sin lesiones traumáticas visibles, hallazgos histológicos de tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo con infartos pulmonares secundarios. Laboratorio de Toxicología detectó la presencia de quetiapina, no se detectó alcohol o drogas de abusos. Mediante el Algoritmo De Karch & Lasagna Modificado el tromboembolismo pulmonar fue una reacción adversa con una probabilidad de relación causal posible. Se han informado muchos casos de muerte súbita causada por EP con la exposición a antipsicóticos, pero la relación de su uso y el riesgo de TEV y EP sigue siendo controvertida.

Abstract Some studies suggest a relationship between antipsychotic use and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the results remain inconclusive. This is the case of a 23-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia and depression treated with quetiapine 800 mg, who was found dead in a hotel bed. At necropsy with no visible traumatic lesions, histological findings of massive pulmonary thromboembolism with secondary pulmonary infarcts. Toxicology laboratory detected the presence of quetiapine, no alcohol or drugs of abuse were detected. Using the Modified Karch & Lasagna Algorithm, pulmonary thromboembolism was an adverse reaction with a probable causal relationship. Many cases of sudden death caused by PE have been reported with exposure to antipsychotics, but the relationship of their use and the risk of VTE and PE remains controversial.

Utilidad diagnóstica del dímero-D en el tromboembolismo pulmonar de pacientes COVID-19 / DiagnosticutilityofD-dimerin pulmonarythromboembolism in COVID-19 patients

Resumen Introducción: El aumento de la concentración de dímero-D en pacientes COVID-19 se ha asociado a mayor gravedad y peor pronóstico; sin embargo, su rol en predecir el diagnóstico de tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP), aún es incierto. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del dímero-D plasmático en el diagnóstico de TEP en pacientes con COVID-19. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio observacional analítico. Se incluyó a pacientes COVID-19 que tenían una angiotomografía computada de tórax (AngioTAC). Se registraron datos clínicos, niveles plasmáticos de dímero-D de ingreso y previo al momento de realizar la AngioTAC. Se identificó la presencia o ausencia de TEP. Resultados: Se incluyeron 163 pacientes; 37(23%) presentaron TEP. Al comparar la serie de pacientes con TEP versus sin TEP, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en características clínicas, ni mortalidad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el nivel plasmático del dímero-D previo a realizar la AngioTAC (3.929 versus 1.912 μg/L; p = 0,005). El área bajo la curva ROC del dímero-D para TEPfue de 0,65. El mejor punto de corte del dímero-D fue de 2.000 μg/L, con una baja sensibilidad y valor predictivo positivo. El valor de corte con el mejor valor predictivo negativo (VPN)fue de 900 μg/L (96%), el cual fue mejor que la estrategia de corte de dímero D ajustado por edad (VPN 90%). Conclusión: La capacidad discriminativa del dímero D para diagnosticar TEP fue baja. En cambio, el dímero D mantiene un alto valor predictivo negativo para descartar TEP, el cual es mayor al valor descrito clásicamente en los pacientes no COVID.

Introduction: Increased D-dimer concentration in COVID-19 patients has been associated with greater severity and worse prognosis; however its role in predicting the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), is still uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of plasma D-dimer in the diagnosis of PTE in patients with COVID-19. Method: Analytical observational study. COVID-19 patients who had a chest computed tomography angiography (CTA) were included. Clinical data, Ddimer plasma levels on admission and prior to CTA were recorded. The presence or absence of PTE was identified. Results: 163 patients were included, 37 (23%) presented PTE. After comparing the series of patients with PTE versus the series without PTE, no significant differences were found in clinical characteristics or mortality. There were significant differences in the plasma level of D-dimer prior to performing CTA (3,929 μg/L versus. 1,912 μg/L; p = 0.005). The area under the D-dimer ROC curve for PTEprediction was 0.65. The best D-dimer cutoffpoint was 2.000μg/L, with a low sensitivity and positivepredictive value. The cutoff value with the best negativepredictive value (NPV) was 900 μg/L (96%), which was better than the age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff strategy (NPV 90%). Conclusion: The discriminative ability of D-dimer to diagnose PTE was low. In contrast, D-dimer maintains a high negative predictive value to rule out PTE, which is higher than the value classically described in non-COVID patients.

Síncope y paro cardiorrespiratorio, formas graves de presentación de la embolia pulmonar central: reporte de tres casos clínicos / Syncope and cardiorespiratory arrest, severe forms of presentation of central pulmonary embolism: report of three clinical cases / Síncope e parada cardiorrespiratória, formas graves de apresentação de embolia pulmonar central: relato de três casos clínicos

El tromboembolismo pulmonar tiene una presentación clínica variada. Es fundamental tener un alto índice de sospecha para arribar al diagnóstico oportuno. El síncope se asocia a casos graves y tiene importancia pronóstica. El tratamiento trombolítico es la piedra angular en el subgrupo de pacientes de alto riesgo. Se presentan tres casos clínicos de tromboembolia pulmonar de alto riesgo con el fin de discutir el escenario clínico de presentación y el tratamiento instaurado.

Pulmonary thromboembolism has a varied clinical presentation. It is essential to have a high index of suspicion to arrive at a timely diagnosis. Syncope is associated with severe cases and is of prognostic significance. Thrombolytic treatment is the cornerstone in the subgroup of high-risk patients. Three clinical cases of high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism are presented in order to discuss the clinical presentation scenario and the established treatment.

O tromboembolismo pulmonar tem a presentação clínica variada. É essencial ter um alto índice de suspeita para chegar a um diagnóstico oportuno. A síncope está associada a casos graves e tem significado prognóstico. O tratamento trombolítico é a pedra angular no subgrupo de pacientes de alto risco. São apresentados três casos clínicos de tromboembolismo pulmonar de alto risco para discutir o quadro clínico e o tratamento instituído.

Predictive value of plasma copeptin level for diagnosis and mortality of pulmonary embolism

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and risk stratification may provide a better prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE). Copeptin has emerged as a valuable predictive biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of copeptin in patients with acute PE and to evaluate its relationship with disease severity and PE-related death. METHODS: Fifty-four patients and 60 healthy individuals were included in this study. Copeptin concentrations and right ventricular dysfunction were analyzed. The correlation between copeptin levels and hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters was examined. After these first measurements, patients were evaluated with PE-related mortality at the one-year follow-up. RESULTS: The copeptin levels were higher in PE patients than in the control group (8.3 ng/mL vs 3.8 ng/mL, p<0.001). Copeptin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with PE-related death and right ventricular dysfunction (10.2 vs 7.5 ng/ml, p=0.001; 10.5 vs 7.5 ng/ml, p=0.002, respectively). When the cut-off value of copeptin was ≥5.85, its sensitivity and specificity for predicting PE were 71.9% and 85.0%, respectively (AUC=0.762, 95% CI=0.635-0.889, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The copeptin measurement had moderate sensitivity and specificity in predicting the diagnosis of PE, and the copeptin level was significantly higher in patients with PE-related death at the one-year follow-up. Copeptin may be a useful new biomarker in predicting diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis of PE.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O diagnóstico precoce e a estratificação de risco podem proporcionar um melhor prognóstico em casos de embolia pulmonar (EP). A copeptina surgiu como um valioso biomarcador preditivo de várias doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar os níveis de copeptina em pacientes com EP aguda e avaliar a sua relação com a severidade da doença e mortes relacionadas à EP. MÉTODOS: Um total de 54 pacientes e 60 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo. As concentrações de copeptina e disfunções ventriculares direitas foram analisadas. A correlação entre os níveis de copeptina e parâmetros ecocardiográficos e hemodinâmicos foi examinada. Após essas primeiras medições, os pacientes foram avaliados em relação à mortalidade relacionada à EP após um ano. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de copeptina foram maiores em pacientes com EP do que no grupo de controle (8,3 ng/mL vs 3,8 ng/mL, p<0,001). Os níveis de copeptina eram significativamente maiores em pacientes com mortes relacionadas à EP e disfunção ventricular direita (10,2 vs 7,5 ng/ml, p=0,001; 10,5 vs 7,5 ng/ml, p=0,002, respectivamente). Com um valor de corte ≥5,85 para a copeptina, sua sensibilidade e especificidade preditivas para EP foram 71,9% e 85,0%, respectivamente (AUC=0,762, 95% IC=0,635 - 0,889, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A medição da copeptina teve sensibilidade e especificidade preditivas moderadas para o diagnóstico de EP, e o nível de copeptina foi significativamente maior em pacientes com mortes relacionadas à EP após um ano. A copeptina pode ser um novo biomarcador preditivo útil para o diagnóstico, a estratificação de risco e o prognóstico de PE.

Validación externa de puntajes pronósticos para mortalidad hospitalaria y a treinta días en pacientes con tromboembolismo pulmonar en Argentina / External validation of prognostic scores for in-hospital and 30-day mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism in Argentina

Resumen Se han desarrollado modelos pronósticos para guiar el tratamiento del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo (TEP), entre ellos el Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) y PESI simplificado (sPESI), los cuales no han sido validados en nuestro país. El objetivo fue evaluar la capacidad de los puntajes de riesgo PESI y sPESI para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con TEP en Argentina. Analizamos una base de datos de 75 centros académicos de Argentina que incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con TEP desde el 2016 al 2017. Las puntuaciones se calcularon de forma prospectiva y se evaluó la mortalidad hospitalaria y a 30 días. La validación de los modelos se realizó a través de discriminación mediante área bajo la curva ROC (AUC) y calibración con la prueba de Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL). La cohorte total incluyó 684 pacientes. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue 12% y a los 30 días se registró un 3.2% adicional de mortalidad. El AUC (IC 95%) para la mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 0.75 (0.69-0.81) para PESI y 0.77 (0.71-0.82) para sPESI (p = 0.25 entre puntajes). El AUC de mortalidad a los 30 días fue de 0.75 (0.68-0.8) y 0.78 (0.74-0.83) para PESI y sPESI (p = 0.2 entre puntajes). Ambos modelos presentaron buena calibración y demostraron un desempeño similar para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria y a 30 días, por lo que pueden establecerse como herramientas de predicción simples para pacientes con TEP en Argentina.

Abstract Prognostic models have been developed to help make decisions in the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). Among them, the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and simplified PESI (sPESI), however they have not been validated in our setting. The objective was to evaluate PESI and sPESI scores ability to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with PE in Argentina. We analyzed a database of 75 academic centers in Argentina that included consecutive patients with PE from 2016 to 2017. The scores were prospectively calculated, and in-hospital and 30 days mortality were assessed. The validation of the models was assessed through discrimination using the area under the ROC curve (AUC), and calibration with the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test. The cohort included 684 patients. In-hospital mortality was 12% and at 30 days an additional 3.2% mortality was registered. The AUC (95% CI) for in-hospital mortality was 0.75 (0.69-0.81) for PESI and 0.77 (0.71-0.82) for sPESI (p = 0.2 between scores). AUC of 30-day mortality 0.75 (0.68-0.8) and 0.78 (0.74-0.83) for PESI and sPESI (p = 0.2 between scores). Both models presented good calibration. The PESI and sPESI risk scores demonstrated similar performance and good accuracy in predicting hospital and 30-day mortality. Both scores can be established as simple prediction tools for PE patients in Argentina.

Tromboembolismo de pulmón: Sospecha clínica y correlación anatomopatológica / Pulmonary embolism. Clinical suspicion and anatomopathological correlation

Las discrepancias entre la sospecha clínica y los hallazgos patológicos en el tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) son frecuentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la prevalencia de TEP en una serie de necropsias de fallecidos en un hospital general de agudos entre 1998 y 2017, su relación con la sospecha clínica y su importancia como causa de muerte. Es un estudio retrospectivo y observacional de 350 autopsias realizadas en el Servicio de Patología; analiza características demográficas, principales diagnósticos clínicos informados en la solicitud de autopsia (sospecha clínica de muerte), incidencia anatomopatológica de TEP, diagnósticos primarios de autopsia relacionados con la muerte y concordancia entre sospecha clínica y diagnósticos de autopsia. En solo el 8% de las autopsias (n = 28), el TEP fue el diagnóstico clínico informado. En las autopsias, se encontró TEP en 127 casos (36.3%). Afectó arterias pulmonares grandes en 33 casos (25.9%), vasos medianos en 75 (59.1%) y vasos pequeños en 19 casos. El TEP se consideró el principal contribuyente o la causa principal de muerte en un 30.9% (n = 108) de los casos. Sin embargo, solo en el 15.7% de los casos confirmados había una sospecha clínica previa de TEP. Esta serie muestra que el TEP es un hallazgo de alta prevalencia y una causa importante de muerte en autopsias realizadas en un hospital de agudos. La evidencia de la baja concordancia entre los diagnósticos anatomopatológicos y clínicos del TEP alerta sobre la importancia de la sospecha clínica para lograr un tratamiento temprano de la enfermedad.

Discrepancies between clinical suspicion and pathological findings in pulmonary embolism (PE) appear to be frequent. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of PE in a necropsy series of patients who have died in an acute care hospital between 1998-2017, its relationship with previous clinical suspicion, and its importance as a cause of death. It is a retrospective observational study of 350 autopsies done at the Department of Pathology. We analyzed the demographic characteristics, main clinical diagnoses stated in the autopsy request form, incidence of PE diagnosed, main autopsy findings related with the cause of death, as well as the concordance between clinical suspicion and autopsy diagnosis. In only 8% of the cases (n = 28) the clinical diagnosis of autopsy request was PE. An autopsy diagnosis of PE was done in 127 cases (36.3%); in 33 cases (25.9%) affected large pulmonary vessels; medium caliber vessels were affected in 75 cases (59.1%), and in 19 cases small vessels. The PE was considered as a contributor or cause of death in 30.9% (n = 108). However, only 15.7% of the confirmed PE cases had previous clinical suspicion. This series of necropsies shows that PE is a high prevalence finding in autopsies at an acute care hospital, and an important cause of death in a 20 years period. The finding of a low concordance with clinical diagnosis should alert the medical community on the importance of clinical suspicion in order to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Hipertensión pulmonar crónica tromboembólica tromboendarterectomía pulmonar / Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

A nivel mundial, la tercera causa de muerte por causa cardiovascular es el Tromboembolismo Pulmonar (TEP), después del Infarto agudo de Miocardio y el Accidente cerebrovascular, con una incidencia anual estimada de 40 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. Se comunica el caso clínico de un paciente de 44 años con diagnóstico de TEP recurrente con Hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (CTPH) que fue sometido a tromboendarterectomía pulmonar bilateral (PTE) bajo paro circulatorio con hipotermia profunda. Se informa de los resultados de los medios de diagnóstico y del tratamiento quirúrgico mediante la tromboendarterectomía. Se discute el tema en el contexto de la experiencia internacional y nacional.

The Hospital Zambrano Hellion venous thromboembolism rapid response team (PREVENTION-team): Improving pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis patient care / Equipo de respuesta rápida para tromboembolismo venoso del Hospital Zambrano Hellion (PREVENTION-Team): Mejorando el manejo del tromboembolismo pulmonar y trombosis venosa profunda

Abstract Background: Fast-track worldwide reperfusion programs improve outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction and stroke. Similar programs called Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) focus on submassive and massive pulmonary embolism (PE) excluding deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: PREVENTION-team (Hospital Zambrano Hellion Venous Thromboembolism [VTE] Rapid Response). Primary objective: Fast-track stratification, diagnostics, and treatment (60-90 min) to improve proximal DVT and submassive and massive PE patients care. Secondary objectives: Increase diagnosis rate of low-risk PE and distal DVT; exploration of cause; long-term anticoagulation; identify high-risk profile for chronic complications; community-based support groups and patient education to extend the concept of the thrombosis-free hospital to thrombosis-free home. Structure and organization: The team includes cardiologists, vascular medicine, angiologist, echocardiographer, cardiovascular imaging, and interventional cardiologists. The team will be accessible 24 h a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and base on previous national experience. The cardiology fellow on call will be responsible for activation and evaluation. We will design several tools to accelerate these processes. Risk stratification and therapeutic approach will be based on clinical presentation, echocardiogram, and biomarkers findings. According to PERT stratification based on resources and medical specialties, Hospital Zambrano Hellion has level 1 PERT. PREVENTION-team links physicians with different expertise, provide fast, efficient, and time-saving treatment, potentially saving lives and reducing bleeding and chronic complications in VTE patients. Finally, establishing a network in our hospital and health system to improve VTE patients care. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first rapid response team focused on VTE in Mexico.

Resumen Antecedentes: Programas de reperfusión mejoraron la evolución en infarto con elevación del ST y accidente cerebrovascular embólico. Programas similares llamados PERT para TEP masiva o submasiva excluyen TVP. Métodos: Equipo PREVENTION (Hospital Zambrano Hellion Venous Thromboembolism Rapid Response). Objetivo primario: Estratificación, diagnóstico y tratamiento acelerado (60-90 minutos) para mejorar atención del TVP proximal y TEP masiva o submasiva. Objetivos secundarios: Incrementar diagnóstico de TEP de riesgo bajo y TVP distal; explorar causa; anticoagulación a largo plazo; perfil de riesgo alto para complicaciones crónicas; grupos de soporte en la comunidad y educación para pacientes, y extender el concepto de hospital libre de trombosis a hogar libre de trombosis. Estructura y organización: Incluye cardiólogos, medicina vascular, angiólogo, ecocardiografistas, imagen cardiovascular. Basado en experiencia nacional, el equipo estará accesible 24 horas del día, siete días de la semana, 365 días del año. El residente de cardiología realizará la activación y estratificación. Diseñamos herramientas para acelerar el proceso. La estratificación de riesgo y el abordaje terapéutico se basará en presentación clínica, hallazgos ecocardiograficos y biomarcadores. El Hospital Zambrano Hellion tiene nivel PERT 1 de acuerdo a la estratificación PERT basada en recursos y especialidades. Equipo-PREVENTION en TEV vincula médicos con diferentes capacidades, ofrece rápido y eficiente tratamiento para preservar vidas y reducir complicaciones hemorrágicas y crónicas. En nuestro hospital y sistema de salud establecer una sólida red de trabajo para mejorar la atención. Hasta nuestro conocimiento, en México este podría ser el primer equipo de respuesta rápida enfocado en TEV.

Lung cavities in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVES: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a unique form of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that arises from obstruction of the pulmonary vessels by recanalized thromboembolic material. CTEPH has a wide range of radiologic presentations. Commonly, it presents as main pulmonary artery enlargement, peripheral vascular obstructions, bronchial artery dilations, and mosaic attenuation patterns. Nevertheless, other uncommon presentations have been described, such as lung cavities. These lesions may be solely related to chronic lung parenchyma ischemia but may also be a consequence of concomitant chronic infectious conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the different etiologies that cause lung cavities in CTEPH patients. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of the medical records of CTEPH patients in a single reference PH center that contained or mentioned lung cavities was conducted between 2013 and 2016. RESULTS: Seven CTEPH patients with lung cavities were identified. The cavities had different sizes, locations, and wall thicknesses. In two patients, the cavities were attributed to pulmonary infarction; in 5 patients, an infectious etiology was identified. CONCLUSION: Despite the possibility of being solely associated with chronic lung parenchyma ischemia, most cases of lung cavities in CTEPH patients were associated with chronic granulomatous diseases, reinforcing the need for active investigation of infectious agents in this setting.

The role of Angiology and Vascular Surgery in the COVID-19 pandemic / A atuação da Angiologia e da Cirurgia Vascular na pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT The New Coronavirus Epidemic (2019-nCoV), discovered in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019, presents mainly with pulmonary pneumonia that is preceded by fever, cough and myalgia. However, as the disease spread globally and the number of hospitalizations increased exponentially, it was noted that most serious patients hospitalized by COVID-19 have laboratory changes worthy of attention, such as lymphopenia, neutrophilia, increased time of prothrombin and increased levels of D-dimer. Due to these changes proving to be crucial for the mortality and morbidity rates in this subset of infected people, several studies focusing on the pathophysiology, mainly hematological, of the disease appear every day. Deepening these studies, several published works have shown SarsCoV-2 infection to the installation of a prothrombotic state in hospitalized patients, which leads to the potential occurrence of thrombotic or arterial events in this cohort. Thus, in order to understand how the departments of Angiology and Vascular Surgery are acting in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this work aims to gather studies that reveal from protocols applied in vascular services in the current situation, until to the role of vascular surgeons and angiologists in the clinical and surgical management of patients infected or not, as a way of helping and clarifying this specialty during the context of a pandemic due to the new coranavirus. For the selection of works, the following search criteria were used: "Coronavirus and venous thrombosis", "Coronavirus and thrombosis", "COVID-19 and venous thrombosis" and "COVID-19 Coronavirus and thrombosis".

RESUMO A epidemia pelo novo Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), surgido na cidade de Wuhan, na China, em dezembro de 2019, quando sintomática, apresenta-se majoritariamente por um quadro de pneumonia pulmonar que é precedida por febre, tosse seca e mialgia. No entanto, conforme a doença se espalhou globalmente e o número de hospitalizações aumentaram de forma exponencial, notou-se que a maior parte dos pacientes graves internados por COVID-19 possuem alterações laboratoriais dignas de atenção, como linfopenia, neutrofilia, aumento do tempo de protrombina e elevação dos níveis de D-dímero. Devido tais mudanças se mostrarem cruciais para a taxa de mortalidade e morbidade nesse subgrupo de infectados, diversos trabalhos com enfoque na fisiopatologia, principalmente hematológica, da doença surgem a cada dia. Aprofundando em tais estudos, variados trabalhos publicados evidenciaram a infecção pelo Sars-CoV-2 à instalação de um estado pró-trombótico em pacientes hospitalizados graves, o que acarreta em potencial ocorrência de eventos trombóticos venosos ou arteriais nessa coorte. Assim, para entender como os Departamentos de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular estão atuando no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, este estudo tem por objetivo reunir estudos que revelam desde protocolos aplicados nos serviços vasculares na atual conjuntura, até a atuação dos cirurgiões vasculares e angiologistas no manejo clínico e cirúrgico de pacientes infectados ou não, como forma de ajudar e esclarecer essa especialidade durante o contexto de pandemia pelo novo coronavírus. Para a seleção dos trabalhos foram utilizados os seguintes critérios de busca: "Coronavirus and venous thrombosis", "Coronavirus and thrombosis", "COVID-19 and venous thrombosis" e "COVID-19 Coronavirus and thrombosis".

Validation of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index for risk stratification after acute pulmonary embolism in a cohort of patients in Brazil / Validação do Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index para a estratificação de risco após tromboembolia pulmonar aguda em uma coorte no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), which was developed for risk stratification after acute pulmonary embolism (PE), for use in Brazil. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study involving patients admitted to the emergency department with acute PE. The original and simplified versions of the PESI were calculated using hospital admission data from medical records. The outcome measure was the overall 30-day mortality rate. Results: We included 123 patients. The mean age was 57 ± 17 years, and there was a predominance of females, who accounted for 60% of the cohort. There were 28 deaths, translating to an overall 30-day mortality rate of 23%. In the cluster analysis by risk class, overall 30-day mortality was 2.40% for classes I-II, compared with 20.00% for classes III-IV-V (relative risk [RR] = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.88-18.51; p = 0.0002). When we calculated overall 30-day mortality using the simplified version (0 points vs. ≥ 1 point), we found it to be 3.25% for 0 points and 19.51% for ≥ 1 point (RR = 2.38; 95% CI: 0.89-6.38; p = 0.06). Using the original version, a survival analysis showed that risk classes I and II presented similar Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.59), as did risk classes III, IV, and V (p = 0.25). However, the curve of the clusters based on the original version, showed significantly higher mortality in the III-IV-V classes than in the I-II classes (RR = 7.63; 95% CI: 2.29-25.21; p = 0.0001). The cluster analysis based on the original version showed a greater area under the ROC curve than did the analysis based on the simplified version (0.70; 95% CI: 0.62-0.77 vs. 0.60; 95% CI: 0.51-0.67; p = 0.05). Conclusions: The PESI adequately predicted the prognosis after acute PE in this sample of the population of Brazil. The cluster analysis based on the original version is the most appropriate analysis in this setting.

RESUMO Objetivo: Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) foi desenvolvido para a estratificação de risco após tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) aguda. Nosso objetivo foi validá-lo para uso no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico incluindo pacientes com TEP admitidos numa unidade de emergência. O PESI (versão original e simplificada) foi calculado utilizando-se dados dos prontuários na admissão hospitalar. O desfecho analisado foi mortalidade geral em 30 dias (MG30). Resultados: Foram incluídos 123 pacientes, com média de idade de 57 ± 17 anos, predomínio do sexo feminino (60%) e MG30 de 28 óbitos (23%). Na análise agrupada, a MG30 (classes I-II vs. III-IV-V) foi de 2,40% vs. 20,00% (risco relativo [RR] = 5,9; IC95%: 1,88-18,51; p = 0,0002). A MG30 na versão simplificada (0 vs. ≥ 1 ponto) foi de 3,25% vs. 19,51% (RR = 2,38; IC95%: 0,89-6,38; p = 0,06). A análise da sobrevida mostrou que as curvas de Kaplan-Meier foram semelhantes nas classes I e II (p = 0,59) e entre as classes III, IV e V (p = 0,25). A curva da versão original agrupada mostrou que a MG30 foi significativamente maior no grupo III-IV-V que no grupo I-II (RR = 7,63; IC95%: 2,29-25,21; p = 0,0001). A análise agrupada da versão original mostrou área sob a curva ROC maior que a da versão simplificada (0,70; IC95%: 0,62-0,77 vs. 0,60; IC95%: 0,51-0,67; p = 0,05). Conclusões: O PESI mensurou adequadamente o prognóstico de MG30 após TEP aguda nesta amostra da população brasileira. A utilização da versão original agrupada foi a mais adequada nesse cenário.

Embolie pulmonaire révélant un mal de Pott, Dakhla (Maroc)

Introduction : L'association entre la maladie thromboembolique et la tuberculose est peu fréquente mais reste redoutable. Cette complication vasculaire, consécutive à un état d'hypercoagulabilité, peut en constituer une circonstance de découverte. Observation : Nous rapportons le cas d'une patiente âgée de 40 ans, admise dans un tableau d'embolie pulmonaire à risque intermédiaire secondaire à une thrombophlébite au niveau des deux veines iliaques et de la veine cave inférieure, chez qui on a posé le diagnostic d'une spondylodiscite tuberculeuse avec abcès froid en regard de L5 ­ S1. Conclusion : La tuberculose est considérée comme un facteur de risque thromboembolique avéré. La difficulté de la gestion thérapeutique de cette association est surtout liée aux interactions entre les anticoagulants de type antivitamine K ou les anticoagulants oraux directs (AOD), et les antituberculeux, en particulier la rifampicine. Cette maladie infectieuse constitue un véritable problème de santé publique dans certains pays, elle nécessite le renforcement du programme de lutte, des moyens de prévention et de dépistage

Diagnostic value of D-dimer combined with Wells score for suspected pulmonary embolism / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the value of conventional and age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value combined with 2-level Wells score for diagnosis of suspected pulmonary embolism.@*METHODS@#In the study, 335 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism who visited Peking University People's Hospital were enrolled retrospectively, then 274 patients with age over fifty years were chosen. The 2-level Wells score was applied to evaluate the clinical probability of pulmonary embolism, the diagnostic value of traditional D-dimer cut-off value (500 μg/L) and age adjusted D-dimer cut-off value (age×10 μg/L above 50 years) combined with Wells score no greater than 4 were compared. Computed tomography pulmonary arteriography (CTPA) was considered as the gold standard for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.@*RESULTS@#(1) The area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) in analysis of the combination of Wells score no greater than 4 and traditional D-dimer cut-off value was 0.764 (95%CI: 0.703-0.818). On the other hand, the AUC in a ROC analysis of the combination of Wells Score no greater than 4 and age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value was 0.814 (95%CI:0.756-0.863). These two results did not differ statistically (Z=0.05, P=0.121). (2) The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Youden index of the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism of the combination of traditional D-dimer cut-off value and 2-level Wells Score were 100%, 48.9%, 28.8%, 100%, and 0.49, respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Youden index of the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism of the combination of age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value and 2-level Wells Score were 97.4%, 62.3%, 35.5%, 99.1%, and 0.60, respectively. Compared with using traditional D-dimer cut-off value, using age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value could improve the diagnosis specificity (traditional D-dimer cut-off value group: 48.9%, age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value group: 62.3%) of pulmonary embolism without reducing the sensitivity (traditional D-dimer cut-off value group: 100%, age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value group: 99.1%). (3) Among the 222 patients with Wells Score no greater than 4, 90 patients were with D-dimer less than traditional cut-off value (500 μg/L), and 25 patients (account for 11.3% of all 222 patients) were with D-dimer between traditional cut-off value and age-adjusted cut-off value.@*CONCLUSION@#The application of age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value can improve the diagnostic specificity of pulmonary embolism in patients over 50 years, without reducing the sensitivity. It can be used for ruling out suspected pulmonary embolism safely.

Prevalência de tromboembolismo pulmonar incidental em pacientes oncológicos: análise retrospectiva em grande centro / Prevalência de tromboembolismo pulmonar incidental em pacientes oncológicos: análise retrospectiva em grande centro

Contexto: Devido à maior aplicação de exames de imagem rotineiros, especialmente nos pacientes com neoplasia para controle da doença, vem aumentando o diagnóstico de tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) incidental, importante fator de morbimortalidade associado. Objetivo: Identificar os casos de TEP incidental em pacientes oncológicos submetidos a tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax, correlacionando aspectos clínicos e fatores de risco associados. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de todos os episódios de TEP ocorridos de janeiro de 2013 a junho de 2016, com seleção dos pacientes oncológicos e divisão deles em dois grupos: com suspeita clínica e sem suspeita clínica (incidentais) de embolia pulmonar. Resultados: Foram avaliados 468 pacientes com TEP no período citado. Destes, 23,1% eram oncológicos, entre os quais 44,4% apresentaram achado incidental de embolia pulmonar na TC de tórax. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos para sexo, idade e tabagismo. Quanto à procedência, 58,3% dos pacientes sem suspeita clínica eram de origem ambulatorial e 41,7% com suspeita de TEP vinham do pronto-socorro (p < 0,001). As neoplasias mais prevalentes foram de pulmão (17,6%), intestino (15,7%) e mama (13,0%). Aqueles com achado incidental apresentaram significativamente mais metástases, sem diferença entre os grupos para realização de quimioterapia, radioterapia ou cirurgia recente. Quanto aos sintomas apresentados, 41,9% daqueles sem suspeita clínica tinham queixas sugestivas de TEP quando realizaram o exame. Conclusão: TEP incidental é frequente em pacientes oncológicos, especialmente naqueles provenientes de seguimento ambulatorial e em estágios avançados da doença. Sintomas sugestivos de TEP estavam presentes em pacientes sem suspeita clínica ao realizarem a TC de tórax

Background: Increased use of routine imaging exams has led to higher rates of incidental diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), especially for management of disease in cancer patients, among whom it is an important factor in associated morbidity and mortality. Objective: To identify cases of incidental PTE in cancer patients examined with computed tomography (CT) of the thorax, correlating clinical features and associated risk factors. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all episodes of PTE diagnosed between January 2013 and June 2016, selecting cases involving cancer patients and dividing them into two subsets: those with clinical suspicion and those without clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism (incidental cases). Results: At total of 468 patients had PTE during the period investigated and 23.1% of them were cancer patients, 44.4% of whom exhibited pulmonary embolism as an incidental finding of a chest CT. There was no statistical difference between the two subsets in terms of sex, age, or smoking. In terms of patients' admission status, 58.3% of the patients without clinical suspicion were outpatients and 41.7% of those with suspicion of PTE were admitted via the emergency room (p < 0.001). The most common cancer sites were lung (17.6%), intestine (15.7%), and breast (13.0%). Patients whose PTE were diagnosed incidentally exhibited a significantly greater rate of metastases, while there were no differences between the groups in terms of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or recent surgery. Analysis of symptoms revealed that 41.9% of patients without clinical suspicion had complaints suggestive of PTE when they underwent the CT examination. Conclusions: Incidental PTE is common among cancer patients, especially those in outpatients follow-up and in advanced stages of the disease. Patients without clinical suspicion also had symptoms suggestive of PTE when they presented for chest CT

Terapia anticoagulante no tromboembolismo venoso / Anticoagulant therapy in venous thromboembolism

Introdução: O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV), incluindo a embolia pulmonar (EP) e a trombose venosa profunda (TVP), é a terceira causa de mortalidade em todo o mundo. O diagnóstico ainda é subestimado nas emergências. Os fatores desencadeantes são bem definidos, o que auxilia a estratificação de risco e o diagnóstico de TEV provocada ou não e influenciará muito o tempo de tratamento. O aumento do ventrículo direito e de marcadores biológicos tem desempenhado grande papel no prognóstico. O quadro clínico é bem definido e tem várias ferramentas, tanto para o diagnóstico como para a estratificação de risco, tais como os critérios de Wells e de Genebra, além de outros. Os exames complementares atualmente estão bem definidos, com a angiografia pulmonar sendo o padrão de referência; porém, com a melhora da tecnologia e a alta sensibilidade e especificidade, a angiotomografia computadorizada ocupou um lugar de destaque. Outros exames ainda são importantes em várias situações, como o D-dímero e outros biomarcadores, a radiografia de tórax, a cintilografia de perfusão/ventilação, eletrocardiograma, ecocardiografia e doppler venoso de membros inferiores. Método: Neste artigo, revisamos aspectos básicos de epidemiologia, diagnóstico e estratificação de risco. O foco principal foi o tratamento com a terapia anticoagulante, sobre a qual revisamos os seis estudos clínicos descritos entre 2009 e 2013, que abordam os novos anticoagulantes orais, hoje denominados anticoagulantes orais diretos. Esses estudos têm desenhos diferentes, com três deles começando com anticoagulantes orais desde o início do quadro agudo de TVP e EP (rivaroxabana e edoxabana). Os outros três iniciaram com enoxaparina e varfarina durante os primeiros dias e depois seguiram com a medicação do grupo em avaliação (dabigatrana e apixabana). Resultados: Nos estudos analisados, todos obtiveram uma redução (valor de p de não inferioridade) dos eventos de recorrência de TEV com relação à varfarina. Nos desfechos de segurança, definidos como sangramento fatal, clinicamente relevante e outros, os novos anticoagulantes orais obtiveram uma diminuição significativa. Conclusões: Os anticoagulantes orais diretos tiveram redução da recorrência de eventos tromboembólicos (periférico e pulmonar), com redução significativa dos índices de sangramentos fatais ou não. A segurança coloca-os como opção segura e eficaz para o tratamento desses pacientes com risco baixo e intermediário de TEV

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is the third leading cause of death worldwide. The diagnosis is still underestimated in emergencies. The triggering factors are well defined, which assists in the stratification of risk and in the diagnosis of VTE, whether provoked or not, and will greatly influence the treatment time. Increased right ventricle and biological markers have played a large role in the prognosis. The clinical features are well defined, and there are various tools for diagnosis and for risk stratification, such as the Wells and Geneva criteria, among others. Complementary exams are now well defined, with pulmonary angiography being the gold standard, but with improved technology and high sensitivity and specificity, computerized angiotomography has played a prominent role. Other exams are still important in certain situations, such as D-dimer and other biomarkers, chest radiography, perfusion/ventilation scintigraphy, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and lower limb venous Doppler. Method: In this article we review basic aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and risk stratification. The main focus was treatment with anticoagulant therapy, under which we reviewed the six clinical studies described between 2009 and 2013 that address the new oral anticoagulants, now called direct oral anticoagulants. These studies have different designs; three of them start with oral anticoagulants from the onset of acute DVT and PE (rivaroxaban and edoxaban), and the other three start with enoxaparin and warfarin during the first days and then with the medication of the study group being evaluated (dabigatran and apixaban). Results: In the analyzed studies, all of them obtained a reduction (non-inferiority p-value) of the events of VTE recurrence in relation to warfarin. In the safety outcomes, defined as clinically relevant fatal bleeding and others, the new oral anticoagulants achieved a significant reduction. Conclusions: Direct oral anticoagulants had a reduction in the recurrence of thromboembolic events (peripheral and pulmonary), with a significant reduction in rates of fatal or non-fatal bleeding. Their safety makes them a reliable and effective option for the treatment of these patients, with low and intermediate risk of VTE