Research Status and Prospects of Non-Traumatic Fat Embolism in Forensic Medicine / 法医学杂志

In the practice of forensic pathology, fat embolism is one of the common causes of death, which can be divided into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Non-traumatic fat embolism refers to the blockage of small blood vessels by fat droplets in the circulatory blood flow caused by non-traumatic factors such as underlying diseases, stress, poisoning and lipid metabolism disorders. At present, it is believed that the production of non-traumatic fat embolism is related to the disturbance of lipid metabolism, C-reactive protein-related cascade reaction, the agglutination of chylomicron and very low-density lipoprotein. The forensic identification of the cause of death of non-traumatic fat embolism is mainly based on the case, systematic autopsy, HE staining and fat staining, but it is often missed or misdiagnosed by forensic examiners because of its unknown risk factors, hidden onset, the difficulty of HE staining observation and irregular implementation of fat staining. In view of the lack of attention to non-traumatic fat embolism in forensic identification, this paper reviews the concepts, pathophysiological mechanism, research progress, existing problems and countermeasures of non-traumatic fat embolism, providing reference for forensic scholars.

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.

Pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to pelvic thrombosis related to giant ovarian tumor

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the major complications in oncologic patients. The incidence of PTE in these cases is 4 to 7 times higher than in non-oncologic patients. Ovarian tumors, specifically those of large sizes, may impair the blood flow through the pelvic veins as tumor pressure over the pelvic vessels increases the incidence of thrombosis. The authors report the case of the unexpected death of a 74-year-old female due to massive pulmonary thromboembolism, associated with an ovarian tumor almost of 15 kg of weight that filled the abdominal and pelvic cavities. The compressive effect on the walls of the pudendal and periuterine veins somehow facilitated the local thrombosis. According to the histological characterization on post-mortem samples, the mass was identified as an "atypical proliferative (borderline) mucinous tumor." The case emphasizes the important association between pulmonary thromboembolism and ovarian tumors

Incidence and morphological characteristics of the reversed halo sign in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and pulmonary infarction undergoing computed tomography angiography of the pulmonary arteries / Incidência e características morfológicas do sinal do halo invertido em pacientes com tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo e infarto pulmonar submetidos a angiotomografia de artérias pulmonares

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the incidence of the reversed halo sign (RHS) in patients with pulmonary infarction (PI) due to acute pulmonary embolism (PE), detected by computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the pulmonary arteries, and to describe the main morphological features of the RHS. Methods: We evaluated 993 CTA scans, stratified by the risk of PE, performed between January of 2010 and December of 2014. Although PE was detected in 164 scans (16.5%), three of those scans were excluded because of respiratory motion artifacts. Of the remaining 161 scans, 75 (46.6%) showed lesions consistent with PI, totaling 86 lesions. Among those lesions, the RHS was seen in 33 (38.4%, in 29 patients). Results: Among the 29 patients with scans showing lesions characteristic of PI with the RHS, 25 (86.2%) had a single lesion and 4 (13.8%) had two, totaling 33 lesions. In all cases, the RHS was in a subpleural location. To standardize the analysis, all images were interpreted in the axial plane. Among those 33 lesions, the RHS was in the right lower lobe in 17 (51.5%), in the left lower lobe in 10 (30.3%), in the lingula in 5 (15.2%), and in the right upper lobe in 1 (3.0%). Among those same 33 lesions, areas of low attenuation were seen in 29 (87.9%). The RHS was oval in 24 (72.7%) of the cases and round in 9 (27.3%). Pleural effusion was seen in 21 (72.4%) of the 29 patients with PI and the RHS. Conclusions: A diagnosis of PE should be considered when there are findings such as those described here, even in patients with nonspecific clinical symptoms.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a incidência do sinal do halo invertido (SHI) associado a infartos pulmonares (IP) relacionados ao tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) agudo, identificado por angiotomografia (angio-TC) de artérias pulmonares, e demonstrar as principais características morfológicas do SHI. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 993 angio-TCs, após estratificação de risco clínico para TEP entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2014. TEP foi encontrado em 164 pacientes (16,5%), sendo que três exames foram descartados devido a artefatos de movimentação respiratória. Dos 161 exames restantes, em 75 (46,6%) foram identificadas imagens compatíveis com IP, totalizando 86 lesões; o SHI foi observado em 33 (38,4% dos pacientes) dessas lesões. Resultados: Dos 29 pacientes com lesões características de IP com o SHI, 25 pacientes (86,2%) apresentavam lesão única e 4 (13,8%), lesão dupla. Todas as imagens compatíveis com SHI eram de localização subpleural. Para padronizar a análise, todas as imagens foram interpretadas no plano axial. Em relação à distribuição lobar das 33 lesões, o SHI estava localizado no lobo inferior direito, em 17 (51,5%); no lobo inferior esquerdo, em 10 (30,3%); na língula, em 5 (15,2%) e no lobo superior direito, em 1 (3,0%). Áreas de baixa atenuação no interior dos IPs com o SHI foram observadas em 29 das 33 lesões (87,9%). O SHI apresentava formato ovalado em 24 (72,7%) dos casos e formato arredondado, em 9 (27,3%). Derrame pleural foi encontrado associado aos IP com o SHI em 21 pacientes (72,4%). Conclusões: O achado de imagens com essas características, mesmo em pacientes com sintomatologia inespecífica, deve alertar para a possibilidade do diagnóstico de TEP.

Correlations of inhaled NO with the cTnI levels and the plasma clotting factor in rabbits with acute massive pulmonary embolism

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the correlation of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on plasma levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and von Willebrand factor (vWF), glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, granule membrane protein 140 (GMP-140) in rabbits with acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Thirty apanese white rabbits were divided into 3 groups, thrombus were injected in model group (n = 10), NO were inhalated for 24 h after massive PE in NO group (n = 10), saline were injected in control group (n = 10). The concentrations of vWF, GP IIb/IIIa, GMP-140 and cTnI were tested at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h, Correlation analyses were conducted between cTnI and vWF, GP IIb/IIIa, and GMP-140 by Pearson's correlation. Results: The concentration of cTnI and vWF, GP IIb/IIIa, and GMP-140 was increased in the model group, compared to control group. In the inhaled group, the concentrations of cTnI, vWF, GP IIb/IIIa, and GMP-140 were reduced compared to model group. There was a positive correlation between cTnI and vWF, GP IIb/IIIa, and GMP-140. Conclusion: Inhaled nitric oxide can lead to a decrease in levels of cardiac troponin I, von Willebrand factor, glycoprotein, and granule membrane protein 140, after an established myocardial damage, provoked by acute massive pulmonary embolism.

The effects of inhaled NO on plasma vasoactive factor and CTnI level in rabbits with acute massive pulmonary embolism

Abstract Purpose: To investigate changes in the plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin I (CTnI), thromboxane A2 (TXA2), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in rabbits with massive pulmonary embolism (AMPE) and the impact of nitric oxide inhalation (NOI) on these indices. Methods: A total of 30 Japanese rabbits were used to construct an MPE model and were divided into 3 groups equally (n=10), including an EXP group (undergoing modeling alone), an NOI group (receiving NOI 2 h post-modeling) and a CON group (receiving intravenous physiological saline). Results: In the model group, plasma concentration of CTnI peaked at 16 h following modeling (0.46±0.10 µg/ml) and significantly decreased following NOI. Plasma levels of TXB2, PGI2 and ET-1 peaked at 12, 16 and 8 h following modeling, respectively, and significantly decreased at different time points (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h) following NOI. A significant correlation was observed between the peak plasma CTnI concentration and peak TXB2, 6-keto prostaglandin F1α and ET-1 concentrations in the model and NOI groups. Conclusion: Increases in plasma TXA2, PGI2 and ET-1 levels causes myocardial damage in a rabbit model of AMPE; however, NOI effectively down regulates the plasma concentration of these molecules to produce a myocardial-protective effect.

Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus disease in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris treated with corticosteroid and mycophenolate mofetil

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of suprabasal intra-epidermal blisters on the skin and mucosal surfaces. Infectious diseases are the main cause of death in patients with pemphigus due to the disrupture of the physiological skin barrier, immune dysregulation, and the use of immunosuppressive medications leaving the patient prone to acquire opportunistic infections. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, who was irregularly taking prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil. She was hospitalized because of a 1-month history of watery diarrhea and oral ulcers. Unfortunately, the patient died suddenly on the ward. The autopsy revealed a bilateral saddle pulmonary embolism, Gram-positive cocci bronchopneumonia, and gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus infection, causing extensive gastrointestinal mucosal ulcers.

Tromboembolismo pulmonar en el embarazo y puerperio: una patología mortal / Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy: a deadly pathology

La enfermedad tromboembólica venosa (TEV) en el embarazo y puerperio continúa siendo una de la primeras causas de muerte materna en los países desarrollados; su incidencia es 5 a 10 veces mayor en comparación con mujeres no embarazadas, debido a las modificaciones que el propio embarazo produce tanto en el sistema de la coagulación, como en el sistema venoso por el útero gestante. El riesgo se distribuye a lo largo de todo el embarazo, siendo el periodo de mayor riesgo las primeras 6 semanas post parto donde se incrementa 20 veces (el 80% de los eventos sucede en las primeras 3 semanas); se suman factores de riesgo como edad, multiparidad, enfermedades del colágeno, trombofilias o TEV previo, se facilita aún más la presencia de ésta. La prevención, diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico del embolismo pulmonar (TEP) en las embarazadas se ve complicado por pocos abordajes validados en esta población particular. Sin embargo, la sospecha clínica y el examen físico son de vital importancia. El valor predictivo negativo del dímero D, la angiotomografía pulmonar helicoidal con su alta sensibilidad y especificidad y el estándar de oro, la arteriografía pulmonar, son útiles para el diagnóstico definitivo. El tratamiento oportuno con heparina no fraccionada así como las de bajo peso molecular, son los medicamentos de elección sobre los antagonistas de la vitamina K, debido a sus bajos efectos adversos,vida media corta y la no circulación a la barrera feto placentaria(AU)

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTD) in pregnancy continues to be one of the leading causes of maternal death in developed countries; it's incidence is 5 to 10 times compared to non-pregnant women; this is due to the modifications that pregnancy itself produces in both the coagulation system, as well as the changes produced in the venous system by the pregnant uterus. The risk is distributed throughout the pregnancy, being the period of greatest risk the first 6 weeks postpartum where it increases 20 times (80% of events occur in the first 3 weeks) and if aditional factors such as age, multiparity, collagen diseases, thrombophilia or prior VTD, even more complicates the presence of this entity. The prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic management of pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant women are complicated by the scarcity of validated approaches in this particular population. However clinical suspicion, physical examination is of vital importance. The negative predictive value of D dimer, helical pulmonary angiotomography with its high sensitivity and specificity, and the gold standard pulmonary: arteriography are useful for definitive diagnosis. Timely treatment with unfractionated heparin as well as low-molecular-weight heparin are the drugs of choice for vitamin K antagonists because of their low adverse effects, short half-life, and no circulation to the fetal-placental barrier(AU)

Elevated gamma glutamyl transferase levels are associated with the location of acute pulmonary embolism. Cross-sectional evaluation in hospital setting / Níveis elevados de gama glutamil transferase estão associados com a localização de embolia pulmonar aguda. Estudo transversal em ambiente hospitalar

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The location of embolism is associated with clinical findings and disease severity in cases of acute pulmonary embolism. The level of gamma-glutamyl transferase increases under oxidative stress-related conditions. In this study, we investigated whether gamma-glutamyl transferase levels could predict the location of pulmonary embolism. DESIGN AND SETTING: Hospital-based cross-sectional study at Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey. METHODS : 120 patients who were diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism through computed tomography-assisted pulmonary angiography were evaluated. They were divided into two main groups (proximally and distally located), and subsequently into subgroups according to thrombus localization as follows: first group (thrombus in main pulmonary artery; n = 9); second group (thrombus in main pulmonary artery branches; n = 71); third group (thrombus in pulmonary artery segmental branches; n = 34); and fourth group (thrombus in pulmonary artery subsegmental branches; n = 8). RESULTS : Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels on admission, heart rate, oxygen saturation, right ventricular dilatation/hypokinesia, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and cardiopulmonary resuscitation requirement showed prognostic significance in univariate analysis. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that gamma-glutamyl transferase level on admission (odds ratio, OR = 1.044; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.011-1.079; P = 0.009) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (OR = 1.063; 95% CI: 1.005-1.124; P = 0.033) remained independently associated with proximally localized thrombus in pulmonary artery. CONCLUSIONS : The findings revealed a significant association between increased existing embolism load in the pulmonary artery and increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO : A localização da embolia está associada com os resultados clínicos e a gravidade da doença do embolismo pulmonar agudo (EPA). O nível de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT) aumenta em condições relacionadas com estresse oxidativo. Investigou-se se os níveis de GGT podem prever a localização do EPA. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL : Estudo observacional transversal na Universidade Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turquia. MÉTODOS : Avaliamos 120 pacientes diagnosticados com EPA após a realização de angiografia pulmonar assistida por tomografia computadorizada. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos principais (localização proximal e distal) e depois em subgrupos de acordo com a localização do trombo da seguinte forma: primeiro grupo (trombo na artéria pulmonar [AP] principal, n = 9); segundo (trombo no ramo da AP principal; n = 71); terceiro grupo (trombo na segmentar da AP; n = 34); quarto grupo (trombo na subsegmentar da AP; n = 8). RESULTADOS : Na análise univariada, os níveis de GGT tiveram significado prognóstico em relação à admissão, pulsação arterial, saturação de oxigênio, dilatação do ventrículo direito/hipocinesia, pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar (PSAP) e necessidade de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. O modelo de regressão logística multivariada demonstrou que o nível de GGT na admissão (razão de possibilidades, OR: 1,044; 95% intervalo de confiança, CI: 1,011-1,079; P = 0,009) e PSAP (OR: 1,063, 95% CI: 1,005-1,124; P = 0,033) permaneceram independentemente associados com trombo localizado proximalmente na AP. CONCLUSÕES : Os resultados demonstraram associação significativa entre aumento da carga existente de embolia da AP e aumento dos níveis séricos da GGT.

Assessments of the associations of thrombus localization with accompanying disorders, risk factors, D-dimer levels, and the red cell distribution width in pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary embolisms occur as a wide spectrum ranging from clinically asymptomatic thrombi to massive thrombi that lead to cardiogenic shock. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations of thrombus localization with risk factors, accompanying disorders, D-dimer levels and the red blood cell distribution width in patients with pulmonary embolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 148 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, the presence and anatomical localization of the thrombus were assessed via computed tomographic pulmonary angiography. The accompanying disorders, risk factors, serum D-dimer levels, and red blood cell distribution width of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02388841. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54±16.0 years, and 48 patients were ≥65 years of age. The most frequent accompanying disorders were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22%) and malignancy (10.1%), and the most frequent risk factors were recent operation (14.1%) and immobilization (18.2%). Thrombi were most frequently observed in the right pulmonary artery (37.8%). In 31% of the patients, the thrombus was localized to the main pulmonary arteries. Immobile patients exhibited a higher proportion of thrombi in the main pulmonary arteries than mobile patients. The mean D-dimer level and the mean red blood cell distribution width in the patients with thrombi in the main pulmonary arteries were higher than those in the patients with thrombi in more distal pulmonary arterial branches. CONCLUSION: Significant associations of proximally localized thrombi with immobilization, the D-dimer levels, and the red blood cell distribution width were observed. .

Endocardite aórtica e tricúspide em pacientes de hemodiálise com embolia sistêmica e pulmonar / Aortic and tricuspid endocarditis in hemodialysis patient with systemic and pulmonary embolism

RESUMO Este artigo relata o caso de um homem caucasiano de 43 anos de idade com nefropatia terminal em tratamento com hemodiálise e apresentando endocardite infecciosa das válvulas aórtica e tricúspide. O quadro clínico foi dominado pelo comprometimento neurológico, devido à embolia cerebral e a componentes hemorrágicos. Uma tomografia computadorizada tóraco-abdominal revelou um êmbolo séptico pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido à antibioticoterapia empírica utilizando ceftriaxona, gentamicina e vancomicina, sendo o tratamento modificado para flucloxacilina e gentamicina após o isolamento de S. aureus nas hemoculturas. A equipe multidisciplinar determinou que o paciente deveria ser submetido à substituição de válvulas após estabilização da hemorragia intracraniana; contudo, no oitavo dia após a hospitalização, o paciente entrou em parada cardíaca causada por embolia séptica pulmonar maciça, vindo a falecer. Apesar do risco de agravamento da lesão hemorrágica cerebral, em pacientes de alto risco deveria ser considerado realizar precocemente uma intervenção cirúrgica.

ABSTRACT This is a case report of a 43-year-old Caucasian male with end-stage renal disease being treated with hemodialysis and infective endocarditis in the aortic and tricuspid valves. The clinical presentation was dominated by neurologic impairment with cerebral embolism and hemorrhagic components. A thoracoabdominal computerized tomography scan revealed septic pulmonary embolus. The patient underwent empirical antibiotherapy with ceftriaxone, gentamicin and vancomycin, and the therapy was changed to flucloxacilin and gentamicin after the isolation of S. aureus in blood cultures. The multidisciplinary team determined that the patient should undergo valve replacement after the stabilization of the intracranial hemorrhage; however, on the 8th day of hospitalization, the patient entered cardiac arrest due to a massive septic pulmonary embolism and died. Despite the risk of aggravation of the hemorrhagic cerebral lesion, early surgical intervention should be considered in high-risk patients.

A Case Report: Cavitary Infarction Caused by Pulmonary Tumor Thrombotic Microangiopathy in a Patient with Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

Pulmonary tumor embolism is commonly discovered at autopsy, but is rarely suspected ante-mortem. Microangiopathy is an uncommon and distinct form of simple tumor pulmonary embolism. Here, we present a 52-year-old male with tumor thrombotic microangiopathy and pulmonary infarction, which might have originated from intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas. Multiple wedge-shaped consolidations were found initially and aggravated with cavitation. These CT features of pulmonary infarction were pathologically confirmed to result from pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy.

Protocolo de prevenção de tromboembolismo venoso em cirurgia plástica: resultados em 2759 pacientes no Instituto Ivo Pitanguy / Venous thromboemboembolism prevention protocol in plastic surgery: results in 2759 patients at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute

Introdução: A embolia pulmonar é a causa de morte mais previsível em pacientes hospitalizados, sendo isso ainda mais prevalente em pacientes cirúrgicos. 200.000 novos casos ocorrem anualmente, com início súbito e geralmente levando à morte nas primeiras 2 horas. Prevenir é, portanto, mais efetivo que tratar a doença estabelecida. Esse estudo objetiva demonstrar a importância e segurança do protocolo de prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso. Métodos: Conduzimos um estudo retrospectivo no período de maio de 2009 a maio de 2011, quando 2759 pacientes foram submetidos à cirurgia plástica no Instituto Ivo Pitanguy. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao protocolo de prevenção e avaliados quanto aos fatores de risco para tromboembolismo venoso. A soma desses fatores gerou um escore que determinou a conduta profilática a ser adotada. Resultados: Houve três casos de tromboembolismo venoso (0,1%), sendo 1 de TEP e 2 de TVP. A quimioprofilaxia com enoxaparina administrada aos 3 pacientes de acordo com o protocolo de prevenção. Nossas taxas permaneceram abaixo das encontradas na literatura, com diferença estatisticamente significativa nos numero total de casos (p < 0,0001). Houve 34 casos de hematoma (1,2%), sendo 55,9% em pacientes submetidos à quimioprofilaxia e 44,1% em pacientes que usaram apenas o dispositivo de compressão pneumática intermitente apenas. As taxas totais de hematoma também permaneceram abaixo das encontradas na literatura, também com diferença estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Conclusão: O protocolo de prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso do Instituto Ivo Pitanguy se provou seguro e importante na prevenção dos casos de TEV, com taxas de hematoma abaixo do descrito na literatura.

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism is the most predictable cause of death in hospitalized patients, even more in surgical patients. 200.000 new cases occur annually, with sudden onset and generally leading to death in the first 2 hours. Preventing is most effective than treating stablished disease. This study aims to show the importance and safety of the venous thromboembolism prevention protocol. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in the period between May 2009 and May 2011 at The Ivo Pitanguy Institute, where 2759 patients underwent plastic surgery (aesthetic and reconstructive). All patients were assessed for predisposing and exposing risk factors for venous thromboembolism and the sum of those factors generated a score determining the prophylactic procedure to be adopted according to the protocol. Results: There were three cases of venous thromboembolism (0.1%): one case of pulmonary embolism and two cases of deep venous thrombosis. Chemoprophylaxis with heparin was administered in the three patients according to the venous thromboembolism prevention protocol. Our rates remained below those found in the literature, with a statistically significant difference in total cases (p < 0.0001). There were 34 cases of hematoma (1.2%): 55.9% in patients submitted to pharmacological prophylaxis with heparin and 44,1% in patients who used sequential compression devices only. The total rates of hematoma also remained below those found in the literature with a statistically significant difference (p < 0,001). Conclusion: The venous thromboembolism prevention protocol of the Ivo Pitanguy Institute proved to be important and safe, preventing the occurrence of venous thromboembolism cases with low rates of hematoma.

Lipoaspiração e embolia gordurosa: revisão de literatura / Liposuction and fat embolism: a literature review

A cirurgia de lipoaspiração é com alguma frequência relacionada a consequências dramáticas ou fatais, causando grande repercussão no meio médico e principalmente na mídia leiga. Esse fato não deve fazer com que o cirurgião plástico evite essa cirurgia, mas sim estimulá-lo a conhecer profundamente a fisiopatologia inerente ao procedimento, buscando meios embasados de realizá-lo da forma mais segura possível, reduzindo ao máximo os riscos de complicações, principalmente as mais graves. Esse artigo teve o objetivo de realizar uma revisão bibliográfica a respeito especificamente da embolia gordurosa causada pela lipoaspiração, relacionada inúmeras vezes a pós-operatórios dramáticos e fatais. Além disso, ressalta alguns cuidados preventivos para uma maior segurança com esse procedimento.

Liposuction surgery is often associated with severe or fatal consequences, causing great repercussions in the medical field, and especially in the lay media . This should not cause the plastic surgeon to avoid the procedure, but rather should promote deeper knowledge of the basic pathophysiology. All means to accomplish the surgery in the safest possible way should be utilized, to minimize the risk of complications, especially the most severe risks. This article reviews the literature on liposuction-induced fat embolism, which is often associated with severe complications in the postoperative period, and even fatal outcomes. In addition, this study highlights several preventive measures that can be adopted to ensure greater safety of this procedure.