Experiencia inicial con el uso de trombolisis local asistida por catéter de ultrasonido terapeútico (EKOSonic®) en pacientes con tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo / Use of local thrombolysis associated to therapeutic ultrasound (EKOSonic) in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism: a preliminary experience

INTRODUCCIÓN: El tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) es una causa frecuente de morbimortalidad cardiovascular y la trombolisis local asistida por ultrasonido (TLUS) constituye una alternativa de tratamiento validada para pacientes de riesgo intermedio. No existen reportes del uso de esta tecnología en el ámbito nacional. MÉTODOS: Análisis descriptivo, prospectivo, sobre una serie de pacientes con TEP agudo, de riesgo intermedio, tratados en forma percutánea con trombolisis local asistida por catéter de ultrasonido terapéutico (EKOSonic®). Se analiza la eficacia y seguridad del procedimiento mediante variables clínicas, hemodinámicas y radiológicas, así como desenlaces intra hospitalarios. Se reporta, además, el seguimiento a 30 días. RESULTADOS: Entre Junio de 2019 y Marzo de 2020, 4 pacientes con TEP de riesgo intermedio fueron tratados con esta técnica. El score PESI (Pulmonary Embolism severity Index) promedio era de 79,5 + 6,1. Dos pacientes requirieron la instalación de 2 catéteres para efectuar terapia bilateral. Se observó una reducción promedio en la presión sistólica de arteria pulmonar de 29% y en 3 de los 4 enfermos se logró revertir la dilatación ventricular derecha presente al ingreso. La carga trombótica se redujo en un 20% medido por score CTOI. No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias ni intrahospitalarias asociadas a la intervención. CONCLUSIONES: En esta serie inicial, el uso de la trombolisis local con catéter de ultrasonido en pacientes con TEP de riesgo intermedio fue segura y efectiva. Los resultados perioperatorios y a 30 días fueron comparables a los descritos en experiencias internacionales; sin embargo, aún se requieren de estudios con mayor número de pacientes para confirmar los beneficios de esta técnica en nuestro medio.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is a common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and local ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) is a validated alternative treatment for intermediate-risk patients. There are no reports on the use of this technology in our country. METHODS: Prospective series of patients with acute, intermediate-risk PE treated percutaneously with therapeutic ultrasound catheter-assisted local thrombolysis (EKOSonic®). The efficacy and safety of the procedure were analyzed using clinical, hemodynamic, and radiological variables, as well as intra-hospital outcomes. The 30-day follow-up is also reported. RESULTS: between June 2019 and March 2020, a total of 4 patients with intermediate-risk PE were treated with this technique. The average PESI score was 79.5 + 6.1. Two out of 4 patients required the use of 2 catheters for bilateral therapy. The average reduction in systolic pressure of the pulmonary artery was 29% and 3 patients reversed the right ventricular dilation present at admission. The thrombotic burden was reduced by 20% according to the Computed Tomography Obstruction Index (CTOI). There were no intraoperative or in hospital complications associated with the intervention. CONCLUSION: In this initial series, the use of local thrombolysis with an ultrasound catheter in patients with intermediate-risk PE was safe and effective. The perioperative and 30-day outcomes were similar to those previously reported in international series. However, larger randomized trials are needed to confirm this potential benefit.

Anesthesia management for a patient undergoing pulmonary endarterctomy without cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Pulmonary endarterectomy is a curative procedure for chronic thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. As usual, cardiopulmonary bypass circuit is required. However, there are several complications attributed to extracorporeal circulation. Hemodilution, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and leukocyte sequestration are circulation related complications. The severe forms include Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute Lung Injury, myocardial stunning, dysfunction of the right ventricle, coagulopathy, postoperative stroke or renal dysfunction. In this case report, we aimed to give information about perioperative anesthesia and surgical management of pulmonary endarterectomy which was successfully managed without Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Angioplastía con balón para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar por enfermedad tromboembólica crónica. Resultados hemodinámicos y clínicos inmediatos / Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a therapeutic alternative for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Aim: To report the initial experience with the "refined BPA technique" with the use of intravascular images. Patients and Methods: Between June 2015 and June 2016 we selected fourteen patients with CTEPH who were considered candidates for BPA. Lesions targeted for treatment were further analyzed using intravascular imaging with optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). We report the immediate hemodynamic results and four weeks of follow-up of the first eight patients of this series. Results: We performed 16 BPA in eight patients aged 61 ± 14 years (88% women). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) was 48.6 ± 5.8 mmHg. Success was achieved in seven patients (88%). A mean of 2.3 segments per patient were intervened in 11 sessions (1.6 sessions/ patient). Only one patient developed lung reperfusion injury. No mortality was associated with the procedure. After the last BPA session, PAPm decreased to 37.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (p=0.02). Pulmonary vascular resistance (RVP) decreased from 858,6 ± 377,0 at baseline to 516,6 ± 323,3 Dynes/sec/cm−5 (p<0.01) and the cardiac index increased from 2.4±0.6 at baseline to 2.8±0.3 L/min/m2 (p=0.01). At 4 weeks after the last BPA, WHO functional class improved from 3.3±0.5 to 2.5±0.5 (p<0,01) and six minutes walking distance from 331±92 to 451±149 m (p=0.01). Conclusions: BPA guided by OFDI for the treatment of inoperable CTEPH patients is a safe alternative with excellent immediate hemodynamic and clinical results.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review for use in patients with pulmonary hypertension in Colombia / Adaptación transcultural de la escala Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review en pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar en Colombia

ABSTRACT Objective: To conduct a cross-cultural adaptation of the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) as an instrument to evaluate the perception of symptoms, functional limitation, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in subjects diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in Colombia. Methods: The adaptation process involved 3 phases: translation, cognitive debriefing interviews, and a validation survey. To evaluate the psychometric properties, we recruited individuals ≥ 18 years of age who had been diagnosed with PAH or CTEPH to take part in the latter two stages of the adaptation process. All individuals were being followed on an outpatient basis by the pulmonary hypertension programs at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Fundación Clínica Shaio,and Clínicos IPS, all located in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. Results: A Spanish-language version of the CAMPHOR was developed for use in Colombia. The internal consistency was excellent for the symptoms, functioning, and quality of life scales (Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.92, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively). Test-retest reliability was above 0.70. The evaluation of the convergent validity and known group validity of the CAMPHOR scales confirmed that there were moderate and strong correlations with the related constructs of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, version 2, as well as showing their capacity to discriminate disease severity. Conclusions: The Spanish-language version of the CAMPHOR developed for use in Colombia was the result of a translation and cultural adaptation process that allows us to consider it equivalent to the original version, having shown good psychometric properties in the study sample. Therefore, its use to assess the impact of interventions on the HRQoL of patients with PAH or CTEPH is recommended, in research and clinical practice.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Realizar la adaptación transcultural del cuestionario Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) como instrumento para evaluar la percepción de síntomas, la limitación funcional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en una población colombiana de sujetos con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) e hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC). Métodos: Estudio de validación de pruebas de determinación de precisión y propiedades psicométricas desarrollado en 3 fases: traducción con adaptación cultural mediante panel bilingüe, aplicación inicial y general para la evaluación de características psicométricas en una cohorte de pacientes > 18 años, con diagnóstico de HAP e HPTEC, en seguimiento por consulta externa de programas de hipertensión pulmonar del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Fundación Clínica Shaio y Clínicos IPS. Resultados: Se obtuvo una versión en castellano de la escala CAMPHOR. La consistencia interna observada para los dominios de síntomas, actividades y calidad de vida (valores del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,92, 0,87 y 0,93 respectivamente) fue adecuada. La confiabilidad prueba-reprueba estuvo por encima de 0,70 y la evaluación de la validez convergente y de grupos conocidos de las subescalas confirmó las correlaciones moderadas y fuertes con constructos relacionados del SF36v2, así como la capacidad discriminatoria según la severidad de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: La versión en castellano de la escala CAMPHOR presentó un proceso de traducción lingüística y adaptación cultural que permite considerarla equivalente a la versión original, demostrando adecuadas propiedades psicométricas en la muestra estudiada. Por ello se recomienda su utilización tanto en la investigación como en la práctica clínica, con el fin de evaluar el impacto de las intervenciones en la CVRS.

De la tromboembolia pulmonar aguda a la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica: implicaciones en la patobiología y fisiopatología / From acute pulmonary embolism to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: Pathobiology and pathophysiology

Resumen: La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) es un subtipo de hipertensión pulmonar (HP) caracterizada por la obstrucción mecánica de las arterias pulmonares causada por una tromboembolia pulmonar. Sin tratamiento es una enfermedad progresiva y devastadora, y es el único subgrupo de HP potencialmente curable mediante la endarterectomía pulmonar. La magnitud, así como la recurrencia de la embolia pulmonar, son determinantes y contribuyen al desarrollo de la HPTEC aun cuando está asociada solo a algunos factores trombofílicos. Una hipótesis es que la enfermedad es consecuencia de la resolución incompleta y la organización del trombo, favorecido por fenómenos de inflamación, inmunitarios y/o genéticos que promueven el desarrollo de estenosis de tipo fibroso que culminan con el remodelado vascular oclusivo de vasos proximales y distales. Los mecanismos involucrados en la fallida resolución del trombo aún no están esclarecidos. Los pacientes con HPTEC con frecuencia exhiben HP severa que no puede ser explicada por el grado de obstrucción vascular demostrada en estudios por imagen. En tales casos la arteriopatía pulmonar y las lesiones trombóticas obstructivas, distales al nivel subsegmentario, pueden contribuir al incremento fuera de proporción de las resistencias vasculares pulmonares. Los procesos que llevan al desarrollo de la arteriopatía pulmonar y los cambios microvasculares que ocurren en la HPTEC explican el comportamiento progresivo de la HP y el deterioro clínico gradual con pobre pronóstico para los pacientes, así como también la falta de correlación entre la magnitud de la obstrucción vascular y la medición de parámetros hemodinámicos, aun en ausencia de tromboembolismo venoso recurrente. Esta revisión resume los aspectos más relevantes y actuales de la patobiología y fisiopatología de la HPTEC.

Abstract: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) represents a unique subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the presence of mechanical obstruction of the major pulmonary vessels caused by venous thromboembolism. CTEPH is a progressive and devastating disease if not treated, and is the only subset of PH potentially curable by a surgical procedure known as pulmonary endarterectomy. The clot burden and pulmonary embolism recurrence may contribute to the development of CTEPH however only few thrombophilic factors have been found to be associated. A current hypothesis is that CTEPH results from the incomplete resolution and organization of thrombus modified by inflammatory, immunologic and genetic mechanisms, leading to the development of fibrotic stenosis and adaptive vascular remodeling of resistance vessels. The causes of thrombus non-resolution have yet to be fully clarified. CTEPH patients often display severe PH that cannot be fully explained by the degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction apparent on imaging studies. In such cases, the small vessel disease and distal obstructive thrombotic lesions beyond the sub-segmental level may contribute for out of proportion elevated PVR. The processes implicated in the development of arteriopathy and microvascular changes might explain the progressive nature of PH and gradual clinical deterioration with poor prognosis, as well as lack of correlation between measurable hemodynamic parameters and vascular obstruction even in the absence of recurrent venous thromboembolism. This review summarizes the most relevant up-to-date aspects on pathobiology and pathophysiology of CTEPH.

Tromboembolismo pulmonar y comunicación interauricular tipo osteum secundum / Pulmonary embolism and interatrial osteum secundum

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 45 años, de edad con antecedente de Cardiopatía Congénita Acianógena: comunicación interauricular (CIA) tipo Osteum Secundum (OS), quien de manera ambulatoria consultó para la realización de la evaluación Cardiovascular en preoperatorio de colecistectomía. En Rayos X y Angiotomografia de tórax, se evidenció tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP). Paciente refiere disnea leve, inspiratoria, habitualmente asociada a leves esfuerzos por más de tres meses, negando otro síntoma pertinente. La ausencia de Enfermedad Tromboembólica venosa (ETV) del tipo Trombosis venosa profunda(TVP) y de factores de riesgo para un Síndrome de Hipercoagulabilidad, excepto el hábito tabáquico, aunado al antecedente de CIA tipo Osteum secundum y la falta de correlación clínica-imagenológica convergen para que la presentación de este caso clínico pudiendo ser mortal sea una condición rara, dado que durante la hospitalización se confirmaron los diagnósticos de TEP Crónico, Hipertensión pulmonar severa (HPS), en ausencia de criterios para Embolismo paradójico (EP), complicación descrita en este tipo de cardiopatía cuando hay hipertensión pulmonar asociada. Los métodos de imagen fueron esenciales para el correcto diagnóstico y el manejo terapéutico de la paciente, la cual evoluciona satisfactoriamente(AU)

A 45-year-old woman came to the office with mild shortness of breath for the past 3 months and the chest X-ray (CXR) and CT showed chronic pulmonary embolism (PE). She had a past medical history of non-cyanotic congenital ostium secundum atrial septal defect, severe pulmonary hypertension and active smoking status. The uncommon clinical presentation in this patient could have been fatal without the appropriate diagnose and treatment(AU)

Advances in Multidetector CT Diagnosis of Pediatric Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Although pediatric pulmonary thromboembolism is historically believed to be rare with relatively little information available in the medical literature regarding its imaging evaluation, it is more common than previously thought. Thus, it is imperative for radiologists to be aware of the most recent advances in its imaging information, particularly multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), the imaging modality of choice in the pediatric population. The overarching goal of this article is to review the most recent updates on MDCT diagnosis of pediatric pulmonary thromboembolism.

Asociación entre la obstrucción apendicular y el tipo morfológico de apendicitis aguda / Association between appendiceal obstruction and the morphological type of acute appendicitis

Objetivo: Determinar si el tipo morfológico de apendicitis está asociado con el tipo de obstrucción apendicular. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo, durante el año 2013. Resultados: Formaron parte del estudio 398 casos. El 54% de los pacientes tuvo entre 10 y 29 años. El 55,5% fueron de sexo masculino y el 44,5% de sexo femenino. La longitud promedio del apéndice fue 7,19 ± 1,6 y el diámetro 1,14 ± 0,5 cm. Los apéndices cecales con diámetro menor a 0,8 cm, no presentaron inflamación aguda. El 16,2% de los apéndices estuvieron perforados. En el 43% se evidencio una obstrucción en la luz apendicular, que en el 56,3% correspondió a la presencia de un bolo fecal, en un 29,9% a acodamiento del apéndice cecal y 4,8% a fecalito. En el 5,4% de los casos, el parásito encontrado fue E. vermicularis. El 81,4% de los apéndices que tenían un bolo fecal o un fecalito, presentaron apendicitis supurativa severa, gangrena y/o perforación mientras que sólo el 55,4% de los apéndices que tenían hiperplasia o acodamiento presentaron los tipos morfológicos más severos (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Los apéndices que tuvieron un bolo fecal o un fecalito tuvieron un tipo morfológico de apendicitis más severo que los que tuvieron otro tipo de obstrucción. Por tanto, SÍ hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el tipo morfológico de apendicitis y el tipo de obstrucción.

Objective: Determine if the morphological type of appendicitis is associated with the type of appendiceal obstruction. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational and prospective study was conducted at the Hospital Belén of Trujillo, during the year 2013. Results: There were 398 cases that took part of the study. A 54% of patients had between 10 and 29 years old, 55.5% were males and 44.5% females. The average length of the appendix was 7.19 ± 1.6 and 1.14 ± 0.5 cm diameter. Cecal appendices with diameter less than 0.8 did not show acute inflammation. A 16.2% of the appendices were perforated. In 43% a obstruction was evident in the appendiceal lumen, which corresponded to 56.3% for the presence of fecal bolus, 29.9% to bend appendiceal and 4.8% to faecolith. In 5.4% of cases a parasite E.vermicularis was found. A 81.4% of the appendices that had a fecal bolus or faecolith, had severe suppurative appendicitis, gangrene and / or perforation while only 55.4% of the appendices that had hyperplasia or bending presented the most severe morphological types (p <0.05). Conclusions: The appendices that had a fecal bolus or a faecolith had a morphological type of appendicitis more severe than those who had other obstructions type. Therefore, there was a statistically significant association between the morphological type of appendicitis and the type of obstruction.

Incidence of chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension following acute pulmonary thrombo-embolism: An Indian perspective.

Chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains a severe disabling disease causing a significant amount of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The incidence and severity of this condition is quite obscure. The initial inciting event, the reason of progression, the natural history of the disease and the predictors of adverse outcomes are not yet adequately clarified. From the Indian subcontinent, data regarding this disease is limited. But with the advent of the multi-detector computed tomography, the understanding of this disease is gradually improving. As most of the available data suggests, acute pulmonary embolism (PE) as the main initial trigger leading to CTEPH, we prospectively analysed all patients being admitted in our hospital with acute PE and followed them over a period of one-and-a-half years to determine the incidence of CTEPH in this group. This is just an attempt to increase the awareness about the disease pattern and determine the rate of progression, risk factors of poor outcome, so that early detection and prompt treatment can benefit the patient care.

Influence of ethanol-induced pulmonary embolism on hemodynamics in pigs.

Aims and Objectives: Ethanol is widely used for the embolization treatment of vascular malformations, but it can also cause serious complications such us pulmonary hypertension, cardiopulmonary collapse and death. The complications are considered secondary to pulmonary vasospasm and ethanol‑induced sludge embolism, etc., We studied the hemodynamic effects of intravenous absolute ethanol injection and ethanol sludge injection in pigs. Materials and Methods: A total of 5 pigs underwent intravenous injection of ex vivo generated ethanol‑induced sludge in which residual ethanol was removed (Group S) and 4 pigs underwent intravenous injection of absolute ethanol (Group E). Hemodynamic parameters related to the pulmonary and systemic circulation were compared between the groups. Results: Transient pulmonary hypertension was observed in both groups and the hemodynamic changes were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Sludge can induce transient pulmonary hypertension or cardiopulmonary collapse, without ethanol and may be the mechanism by which ethanol induces its adverse hemodynamic effects.

Avaliação do ventrículo direito pelo ecocardiograma com doppler tecidual na embolia pulmonar aguda / Right ventricular assessment by tissue-Doppler echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism

FUNDAMENTO: A avaliação da função Ventricular Direita (VD) pelo ecocardiograma em pacientes com Tromboembolismo Pulmonar (TEP) é complexa, frequentemente qualitativa; o Doppler tecidual tem sido utilizado para avaliação semiquantitativa dessa câmara, com algumas limitações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função do VD no TEP pelo ecocardiograma com Doppler tecidual, complementando com o peptídeo atrial natriurético (BNP). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados pacientes com TEP pelo ecocardiograma com Doppler tecidual e BNP até 24 horas do diagnóstico, obtendo-se as velocidades miocárdicas (s'), strain, strain rate e índice de performance miocárdica do VD; disfunção do VD foi iagnosticada por hipocinesia da câmara, movimento anormal septal e relação VD/VE >1. De acordo com o BNP os pacientes foram divididos em Grupo I, BNP < 50 pg/mL e Grupo II, BNP > 50 pg/mL. RESULTADOS: De 118 pacientes, 100 (60 homens, idade = 55 ± 17 anos) foram analisados; observou-se disfunção do VD em 28%, mais frequentemente no grupo II (19 vs. 9 pacientes, p < 0,001). O grupo II era mais idoso (64 ± 19 vs. 50 ± 15 anos), apresentava menor velocidade de s' (10,5 ± 3,5 vs. 13,2 ± 3,1 cm/s) e maior pressão pulmonar (48 ± 11 vs. 35 ± 11 mmHg), p < 0,001 para todos. O ponto de corte de s' para disfunção do VD foi de 10,8 cm/s (especificidade = 85%, sensibilidade = 54%), com moderada correlação entre o BNP e a onda s'(r = -0,39). CONCLUSÃO: No TEP, a disfunção do VD pelo ecocardiograma se acompanha de elevação do BNP; apesar confirmar adequadamente a presença de disfunção do VD, o Doppler tecidual apresenta sensibilidade limitada para este diagnóstico.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is complex and frequently qualitative. Tissue Doppler has been used for the semiquantitative assessment of this chamber, although with some limitations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate RV function in PTE using tissue-Doppler echocardiography, in addition to atrial natriuretic peptide (BNP). METHODS: Patients with PTE were studied using tissue-Doppler echocardiography and BNP up to 24 hours after diagnosis; myocardial velocities (s'), strain, strain rate and RV myocardial performance index were obtained. RV dysfunction was diagnosed by chamber hypokinesia, abnormal septal motion and a RV/LV ratio >1. According to their BNP levels, the patients were divided into Group I, BNP < 50 pg/mL and Group II, BNP > 50 pg/mL. RESULTS: Of 118 patients, 100 (60 men, age = 55 ± 17 years) were analyzed; RV dysfunction was observed in 28%, more frequently in group II (19 vs. 9 patients, p < 0.001). Patients in group II were older (64 ± 19 vs. 50 ± 15 years), and had lower s' velocity (10.5 ± 3.5 vs. 13.2 ± 3.1 cm/s), and higher pulmonary pressure (48 ± 11 vs. 35 ± 11 mmHg), p < 0.001. The cut-off point of s' for RV dysfunction was 10.8 cm/s (specificity = 85%, sensitivity = 54%), with moderate correlation between BNP and s' wave (r = -0.39). CONCLUSION: In PTE, RV dysfunction on echocardiography is accompanied by BNP elevation; although tissue-Doppler imaging adequately confirms the presence of RV dysfunction, it has a limited sensitivity for this diagnosis.

Tromboembolismo pulmonar: estratificación de riesgo y dilemas terapéuticos / Risk stratification of pulmonary thromboembolism

Background: The prognosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is related to the cardiopulmonary reserve of the patient and the magnitude of the embolus that impacts pulmonary circulation. The presence of hemodynamic instability (shock) stratifies a group of patients with high mortality, which should be treated with thrombolysis. Patients without shock but with right ventricular dysfunction can have a dismal evolution and should be managed aggressively. CAT scan, echocardiography and serum markers can be of value to define patients with a higher mortality. The available evidence to define the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategy is scanty, controversial and inconclusive. A good combination of clinical, imaging and biological markers should be defined to identify those patients without shock but with a high rate of complications and mortality, that could benefit from aggressive treatments.

Manifestações clínicas e análise histopatológica pulmonar relacionadas a diferentes doenças em pacientes com tromboembolismo pulmonar fatal – um estudo em autópsias / Clinical manifestations and pulmonary histopathological analysis related to different diseases in patients with fatalpulmonary thromboembolism – an autopsy study

Introdução: Tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) é uma das mais graves complicações dentre pacientes hospitalizados e permanece subdiagnosticado. Ainda hoje, sua fisiopatologia não está completamente elucidada. Objetivos: Correlacionar comorbidades, neoplasias, cirurgias e achados histológicos às manifestações clínicas associadas ao TEP. Métodos: Entre 2001 a 2008, foram revisadas 291 autópsias de pacientes cuja causa de morte foi TEP. Os seguintes dados foram obtidos: idade, sexo, manifestações clínicas, achados histológicos e principais doenças de base/comorbidades, neoplasias e cirurgias da última internação. Os achados histológicos foram categorizados em: dano alveolar difuso (DAD), edema agudo de pulmão (EAP), hemorragia intra alveolar (HIA) e pneumonia intersticial linfo-plasmocítica (PILP). Odds ratios foram obtidas por regressão logística e foram consideradas significativas quando p < 0,05. Resultados: A mediana de idade foi 64 anos. Cerca de 64% dos pacientes apresentava doenças cardiovasculares. O achado pulmonar mais prevalente foi EAP. Apenas 13% dos casos apresentaram suspeita clínica. Insuficiência respiratória esteve associada a EAP, HIA e DAD; assim como instabilidade hemodinâmica a HIA e DAD. Conclusões: Foram encontradas importantes associações entre achados clínicos e histológicos em pacientes com TEP. A compreensão dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos com cada doença associada a TEP pode auxiliar no diagnóstico e no tratamento da doença.

Introduction: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the most fatal complications among hospitalized patients and remains undiagnosed. Its physiopathology and its epidemiology aren’t widely known in literature. Objectives: To correlate underlying diseases, different cancers and surgeries to histological findings and in-vivo manifestations associated to fatal PTE from autopsy reports. Methods: From 2,001 to 2,008, were reviewed 291 autopsies of patients whose cause of death was PTE. The following data were obtained: age, sex, clinical invivo manifestations, post-mortem pathological patterns and mainassociated underlying diseases, cancers and surgeries performed in last hospitalization. The pulmonary histopathological changes were categorized in: diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), pulmonary edema (PE), alveolar hemorrhage (AH) and lympho/plasmacytic interstitial pneumonia (LPIP). Odds ratios of positive relations were obtained by logistic regression and were considered significative when p < 0.05. Results: The median age was 64 years. 64% ofpatients presented cardiovascular illness associated to PTE. The most prevalent pulmonary finding was PE. Only 13% of cases had clinical suspect. Acute respiratory failure was positively related to PE, AH and DAD; as well hemodynamic instability to AH and DAD. Conclusions: We found important relations between clinical data and histological findings of fatal PTE patients. The understanding of pulmonary physiopathological mechanism involved with eachPTE-associated disease can improve diagnosis in order to offer prompt treatment and reduce mortality.

Near-fatal pulmonary embolism in an experimental model: hemodynamic, gasometric and capnographic variables / Embolia pulmonar quase fatal, um modelo experimental: variáveis hemodinâmicas, gasométricas e capnográficas

INTRODUCTION: Experimental studies on pulmonary embolism (PE) are usually performed under mechanical ventilation. Most patients with suspicion of PE enter the Emergency Services in spontaneous breathing and environmental air. Thus, under these conditions, measurements of hemodynamic, gasometric and capnographic variables contribute largely to a more specific comprehension of cardiopulmonary and gasometric alterations in the acute phase of the disease. Studies which evaluated animals under conditions are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to submit animals under spontaneous ventilation and without supplemental oxygen to PE. METHODS: PE was induced in six pigs using autologous blood clots, and cardiorespiratory and gasometric records were performed before and after PE. The values of "near fatal" mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) were previously determined. RESULTS: The presence of obstructive shock could be evidenced by increased MPAP (from 17.8±3.5 to 41.7±3.3 mmHg) (P<0.0001) and decreased cardiac output (from 4.9±1.0 to 2.7±1.0 L/min) (P<0.003). Consequently, metabolic acidosis occurred (Lac art) (from 2.4±0.6 to 5.7±1.8 mmol/L)(P<0.0001). It was observed hypoxemia (from 73.5±12.7 to 40.3±4.6 mmHg) (P<0.0001); however, PaCO2 did not vary (from 44.9±4.4 to 48.2±6.0 mmHg) (NS). There were significant increases in both P(a-et)CO2 (from 4.8±2.8 to 37.2±5.8 mmHg) and P(A-a)O2 (from 8.2±8.9 to 37.2±10.3 mmHg) (both P<0.0001). There was also a significant increase in the total alveolar minute volume (from 4.0±0.9 to 10.6±2.9 L/min) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this model, the near fatal MPAP was from 2 to 2.5 times the basal MPAP; and the capnographic variables, associated with arterial and venous gasometry, showed effective in discriminating an acute obstructive profile.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos experimentais de embolia pulmonar (EP) são habitualmente realizados sob ventilação mecânica. A maioria dos pacientes com suspeita de EP adentra os Serviços de Emergência em respiração espontânea e em ar ambiente. Assim, medidas das variáveis hemodinâmicas, gasométricas e capnográficas, nessas condições, em muito contribuiriam para compreensão mais específica das alterações cardiopulmonares e gasométricas na fase aguda da doença. Dessa forma, faltam estudos experimentais que avaliem animais em tais condições. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi submeter à EP animais sob ventilação espontânea e sem oxigênio suplementar. MÉTODOS: A EP por coágulos autólogos foi induzida em seis porcos e os registros cardiorrespiratórios e gasométricos foram realizados no pré e pós-EP. O valor da pressão média de artéria pulmonar (PMAP) "quase fatal" foi previamente determinada. RESULTADOS: A presença de choque obstrutivo agudo pôde ser evidenciada pelo aumento da PMAP (de 17.8±3.5 para 41.7±3.3 mmHg) (P<0.0001) e pela queda do débito cardíaco (de 4.9±1.0 para 2.7±1.0 L/min) (P<0.003). Consequentemente, a presença de acidose metabólica pode ser constatada (de 2.4±0.6 para 5.7±1.8 mmol/L) (P<0.0001). Observou-se, ainda, hipoxemia (de 73.5±12.7 para 40.3±4.6 mmHg) (P<0.0001), porém, a PaCO2 não variou (de 44.9±4.4 para 48.2±6.0 mmHg) (NS). Houve expressivos aumentos, tanto para P(a-et)CO2 (de 4.8±2.8 para 37.2±5.8 mmHg) quanto para a P(A-a)O2 (de 8.2±8.9 para 37.2±10.3 mmHg) (P<0.0001). Ocorreu, também, significativo aumento do volume minuto alveolar total (de 4.0±0.9 para 10.6±2.9 L/min) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSÕES: Nesse modelo, a PMAP quase fatal foi de 2 a 2,5 vezes a PMAP basal e as variáveis capnográficas, associadas a gasometria arterial e venosa, mostraram-se eficazes em discriminar um quadro obstrutivo agudo.

Hipertensão pulmonar no tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico / Pulmonary hypertension in chronic thromboembolic

A hipertensão arterial pulmonar secundaria ao tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico tem emergido como uma das principais causas de hipertensão pulmonar grave. A doença resulta de uma obstrução dos vasos pulmonares por trombos organizados causando estenose fibrosa ou a oclusão completa das artérias pulmonares. Embolia pulmonar, como um único episódio ou episódios recorrentes parece ser evento inicial, seguido de progressivo remodelamento do leito vascular pulmonar e hipertensão pulmonar progressiva e insuficiência cardíaca direita e pobre prognóstico. A utilização de métodos de imagem incluindo o mapeamento de ventilação-perfusão, tomografia computadorizada e angiografia pulmonar são fundamental na avaliação de pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar tromboembólica. O tratamento de escolha para pacientes sintomáticos com hipertensão pulmonar secundária ao tromboembolismo pulmonar crônico é a desobstrução vascular pulmonar através da tromboendarterectomia pulmonar. Experiência com esta cirurgia está bem documentada e excelentes resultados podem ser alcançados para a maioria dos pacientes considerados candidatos adequados ao tratamento cirúrgico.

Optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with venous thromboembolism.

The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) approaches 40 per cent of all patients after 10 yr of follow up. This risk is higher in patients with permanent risk factors of thrombosis such as active cancer, prolonged immobilization from medical diseases, and antiphospholipid syndrome; in carriers of several thrombophilic abnormalities, including deficiencies of natural anticoagulants; and in patients with unprovoked presentation. Patients with permanent risk factors of thrombosis should receive indefinite anticoagulation, consisting of subtherapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin in cancer patients, and oral anticoagulants in all other conditions. Patients whose VTE is triggered by major surgery or trauma should be offered three months of anticoagulation. Patients with unprovoked VTE, including carriers of thrombophilia, and those whose thrombotic event is associated with minor risk factors (such as hormonal treatment, minor injuries, long travel) should receive at least three months of anticoagulation. The decision as to go on or discontinue anticoagulation after this period should be individually tailored and balanced against the haemorrhagic risk. Post-baseline variables, such as the D-dimer determination and the ultrasound assessment of residual thrombosis can help identify those patients in whom anticoagulation can be safely discontinued. As a few emerging anti-Xa and anti-IIa compounds seem to induce fewer haemorrhagic complications than conventional anticoagulation, while preserving at least the same effectiveness, these have the potential to open new scenarios for decisions regarding the duration of anticoagulation in patients with VTE.