Trombocitopenia trombótica inducida por vacuna. Primer reporte nacional / Vaccine-associated immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. First national report / Trombocitopenia trombótica induzida por vacina (VITT). Primeiro relatório nacional

Resumen: Introducción: la vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2 es una herramienta imprescindible en el combate contra la pandemia de COVID-19. La vacuna desarrollada en colaboración entre la Universidad de Oxford y el laboratorio de productos farmacéuticos AstraZeneca (AZN) ha demostrado buena eficacia, pero ha habido reporte de trombosis venosas. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente de 70 años, de sexo masculino, que 7 días después de la administración de la primera dosis de la vacuna AZN desarrolla trombosis venosa profunda de ambos miembros inferiores y tromboembolismo pulmonar. Coincide con trombocitopenia de 15.000/mm3, descenso del fibrinógeno y elevación de los D-dímeros. La situación clínica evoca el planteo de trombocitopenia trombótica inducida por vacuna (VITT). Se realizó tratamiento con inmunoglobulinas intravenosas, metilprednisolona y crioprecipitados. Requirió colocación de un filtro de la vena cava inferior. Una vez mejorado el recuento plaquetario se instaló tratamiento anticoagulante con apixaban. Evolucionó favorablemente. Discusión: se trata del primer reporte nacional de VITT. Las trombosis subsiguientes a la vacuna de AZN pueden verse con las vacunas que comparten la misma plataforma vacunal (adenovirus inactivado). Se han reportado casos fundamentalmente en menores de 60 años y en topografías inhabituales. Este caso tiene la particularidad de que se trata de un paciente mayor de 60 años, que ya había tenido COVID-19 cinco meses antes y que se presenta con una trombosis en sitios habituales. El manejo terapéutico se adecuó a las pautas internacionales. El caso deja un aprendizaje relevante tanto en lo que refiere al diagnóstico precoz como al manejo terapéutico.

Abstract: Introduction: vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are an essential tool against the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the AstraZeneca (AZN) laboratory has proved to be effective, although venous thrombosis have been reported. Clinical case: the study presents the case of a 70 year old male patient who, 7 days after receiving the first dose of the AZN vaccination develops deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities and pulmonary embolism. Simultaneously, thrombocytopenia is 15.000/mm3, fibrinogen levels drop D-dimer levels are elevated. The clinical situation leads to the suspicion of vaccine-associated immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT). The patient was treated with intravenous immune globulin, methylprednisolone and cryoprecipitates, requiring a filter to be placed in the inferior vena cava. Once platelets count improved, anti-coagulation therapy including apixaban was commenced, evolution being good. Discussion: this is the first national report on VITT. Thrombosis after the AZN vaccination may be seen in other vaccines that use the same vaccine platform (inactive adenovirus). Cases have been reported mainly in patients younger than 60 years old and in unusual topographies. In particular, this case presents a male patient that is older than 60 years old, who had already been infected with COVID-19 five months before and who currently consults with thrombosis in regular sites. Therapeutic handling observed international guidelines. The case contributes relevant data both in terms of early diagnosis and therapeutic handling.

Resumo: Introdução: a vacinação contra a SARS-CoV-2 é uma ferramenta essencial na luta contra a pandemia de COVID-19. A vacina desenvolvida pela colaboração entre a Universidade de Oxford e o laboratório farmacêutico AstraZeneca (AZN) tem demonstrado boa eficácia, mas foram relatados casos de trombose venosa. Caso clínico: apresenta-se o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 70 anos, que 7 dias após a administração da primeira dose da vacina AZN desenvolveu trombose venosa profunda de ambos os membros inferiores e tromboembolismo pulmonar. Coincide com trombocitopenia de 15.000 / mm3, diminuição do fibrinogênio e aumento dos D-dímeros. A situação clínica lembra a trombocitopenia trombótica induzida por vacina (VITT). O tratamento foi realizado com imunoglobulinas intravenosas, metilprednisolona e crioprecipitados. Foi necessário colocar um filtro de veia cava inferior. Uma vez que a contagem de plaquetas melhorou, o tratamento anticoagulante com apixaban foi instalado. O paciente favoravelmente. Discussão: este é o primeiro relatório nacional de VITT. As tromboses subseqüentes à vacina AZN podem ser vistas com vacinas que compartilham a mesma plataforma (adenovírus inativado). Os casos foram relatados principalmente em pessoas com menos de 60 anos de idade e em topografias incomuns. Este caso tem a particularidade de se tratar de um paciente com mais de 60 anos, já com COVID-19 há cinco meses e que apresenta trombose em sítios comuns. O manejo terapêutico foi adaptado às diretrizes internacionais. O caso deixa um aprendizado relevante tanto no que diz respeito ao diagnóstico precoce quanto ao manejo terapêutico.

Is routine screening for silent pulmonary embolism justified in patients with deep vein thrombosis? / Existe justificativa para o rastreio de embolia pulmonar silenciosa em pacientes com trombose venosa profunda?

Abstract The incidence of asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) exceeds 70% in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), even in cases of distal deep vein thrombosis. We report the case of a patient with a diagnosis of DVT in the lower left limb associated with asymptomatic PE who presented late symptoms due to this same PE. The absence of acute symptoms and the late onset of symptoms could have provoked doubts about the most appropriate treatment, resulting in unnecessary interventions, if pulmonary embolism had not already been diagnosed with tomography. In the present case, we demonstrate that computed tomography angiography conducted at the time of DVT diagnosis accurately diagnosed PE and prevented any misinterpretation of recurrent DVT in a patient already being medicated, which could have been mistakenly interpreted as demonstrating failure of anticoagulant therapy. Such a situation could lead to unnecessary intervention to fit an inferior vena cava filter. We cannot suggest that a classic medical conduct should be reformulated simply on the basis of a case report. However, we would be remiss not to suggest that well-designed studies should be carried out in the future to assess the need for this examination in the acute phase.

Resumo A ocorrência de embolia pulmonar assintomática em pacientes com trombose venosa profunda tem uma incidência que excede 70%, mesmo nos casos de trombose venosa profunda distal. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda no membro inferior esquerdo associado a embolia pulmonar assintomática, que apresentou sintomas tardios devido a essa mesma embolia. A ausência de sintomas agudos e o surgimento de sintomas tardios pode suscitar dúvidas quanto ao tratamento mais adequado e resultar em intervenções desnecessárias, se o diagnóstico tomográfico de embolia pulmonar não tiver sido feito anteriormente. No presente caso, demonstramos que uma angiotomografia realizada no momento do diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda detectou a embolia pulmonar e evitou uma interpretação incorreta de um evento trombótico recorrente na vigência de anticoagulação, o que por engano demonstraria uma falha na terapia anticoagulante. Essa situação pode levar a intervenções desnecessárias, como o implante de filtro de veia cava inferior. Entendemos que apenas um relato de caso não deve mudar uma conduta médica já estabelecida; no entanto, fomenta a discussão e estimula estudos que avaliem a necessidade de um exame diagnóstico pulmonar no momento do diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda.

Participación de los equipos de respuesta rápida de tromboembolia pulmonar durante el perioperatorio / Participation of pulmonary embolism response teams during the perioperative period

Resumen La tromboembolia pulmonar aguda representa una causa frecuente de morbimortalidad cardiovascular, sólo rebasada por los síndromes coronarios agudos y la enfermedad cerebrovascular. El inicio y la intervención de un equipo multidisciplinario de respuesta rápida en la tromboembolia pulmonar son imperantes para mejorar el pronóstico y reducir al mínimo las posibles secuelas en el subgrupo de pacientes más graves. En este artículo de revisión se describe y revisa de manera general el papel actual y potencial que tienen dichos equipos de respuesta rápida, con un enfoque particular en el perioperatorio.

Abstract Acute pulmonary embolism represents a frequent cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, only exceeded by acute coronary syndromes and cerebrovascular disease. The start-up and implementation of a designated pulmonary embolism response team is necessary to improve prognosis and minimize long-term sequelae in the subgroup of patients with significant pulmonary embolism. Herein, we describe and discuss an overview of the current and potential role of pulmonary embolism response teams, with a focus on the perioperative period.

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.

Fragmentación mecánica y trombólisis guiada por catéter en la embolia pulmonar de riesgo intermedio / Mechanical fragmentation and catheter-guided thrombolysis in intermediate risk pulmonary embolism

La tromboembolia pulmonar aguda (TEPA) sigue siendo una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial. Su diagnóstico, estratificación de riesgo y tratamiento precoz son fundamentales, siendo su pilar la anticoagulación. En pacientes de bajo riesgo cardiovascular, el pronóstico es excelente y solo basta con la administración de anticoagulantes. No obstante, debido al pobre pronóstico de los pacientes con riesgo elevado (descompensación hemodinámica), el enfoque terapéutico es más agresivo, utilizándose trombolíticos sistémicos que disminuyen la mortalidad pero incrementan el riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas mayores. En el TEPA de riesgo intermedio (evidencia de falla de ventrículo derecho, sin descompensación hemodinámica), la relación riesgo-beneficio del tratamiento con trombolíticos es más equilibrada por lo que la decisión es controvertida. La fragmentación mecánica con trombólisis dirigida por catéter es una alternativa con potenciales beneficios. Presentamos dos casos de TEPA de riesgo intermedio, en los que se realizó fragmentación mecánica y trombólisis dirigida por catéter.

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its diagnosis, risk stratification and early treatment are essential. The mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation. In patients with low cardiovascular risk, the prognosis is excellent and the treatment consists only of the administration of anticoagulants. Due to the poor prognosis of patients with high risk (hemodynamic decompensation), the approach is more aggressive using systemic thrombolytics, which reduce mortality but increase the risk of major hemorrhagic complications. In the intermediate-risk patients (evidence of right ventricular failure, without hemodynamic decompensation), the risk-benefit relationship of thrombolytic treatment is more balanced, so the choice is controversial. Mechanical fragmentation with catheter-directed thrombolysis is an alternative with potential benefits. We present two cases of intermediate-risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism to whom mechanical fragmentation and catheter-directed thrombolysis was applied.

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".

Tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo paciente neumonía COVID-19 positivo / Massive pulmonary embolism in a COVID-19 patient

In December 2019, the infection with COVID-19 was released from the city of Wuhan, China, spreading throughout the world these last months of 2020. Affected patients develop bilateral interstitial pneumonia that, in some cases, evolve into severe forms of respiratory distress syndrome, therefore requiring admission to Intensive Care Units, whose mortality rate is between 20-60%. In these critically ill patients, the massive release of proinflammatory mediators known as cytokine storm is described as one of the causes of poor prognosis, predisposing the development of multi-organ failure. Another of the markers of poor prognosis studied in ICU patients with COVID-19 infection is D-dimer. Serious infection is accompanied by alterations in coagulation factors, associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation processes. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with massive pulmonary thromboembolism and secondary multiple organ failure, in the context of severe COVID infection 19.

En diciembre de 2019 se dió a conocer la infección por COVID-19, desde la ciudad de Wuhan en China, extendiéndose por todo el mundo a lo largo de estos últimos meses del año 2020. Los pacientes afectados desarrollan neumonías bilaterales intersticiales que, en algunos casos, evolucionan a formas graves de síndrome de distrés respiratorio, requiriendo por ello ingreso en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, cuya mortalidad se encuentra entre el 20-60%. En estos pacientes críticos, se describe como una de las causas de mal pronóstico la liberación masiva de mediadores proinflamatorios conocida como tormenta de citoquinas, predisponiendo el desarrollo de fracaso multiorgánico. Otro de los marcadores de mal pronóstico estudiado en los pacientes de UCI con infección por COVID-19 es el dímero D. La infección grave se acompaña de alteraciones en los factores de coagulación, asociándose a procesos de coagulación diseminada. Presentamos el caso de un paciente diagnosticado de tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo y fracaso multiorgánico secundario, en contexto de infección grave por COVID-19.

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.

Papel da deambulação na prevenção do tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes clínicos: onde estamos? / Role of ambulation to prevent venous thromboembolism in medical patients: where do we stand?

O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV), que compreende o espectro de manifestações de trombose venosa profunda e/ou embolia pulmonar, é uma complicação comum, grave e evitável em pacientes hospitalizados. Embora a perda da mobilidade recente ou continuada represente um dos principais fatores de risco relacionados ao desenvolvimento de TEV, não existem critérios claros e uniformes para a definição do conceito de imobilidade. A diversidade dessas descrições dificulta a interpretação e a comparação dos resultados de estudos clínicos randomizados no que se refere à influência dos diferentes níveis de imobilidade na magnitude do risco de TEV e ao papel da deambulação precoce, de forma isolada, na prevenção de tais eventos. O entendimento dessas limitações é mandatório para a utilização e interpretação adequadas das ferramentas de avaliação de risco de TEV, e para a indicação da melhor estratégia de prevenção de trombose em pacientes clínicos hospitalizados. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar as principais evidências da literatura quanto ao papel da deambulação na prevenção do TEV

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompasses the spectrum of manifestations of deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism and is a common, serious, and preventable complication in hospitalized patients. Although immobility plays an important role in determining VTE risk in medical patients, no clear and uniform criteria exist to guide clinicians in assessing immobility. The variation in the descriptions that do exist makes it difficult to interpret and compare the results of randomized clinical trials with respect to the influence of different levels of immobility on the magnitude of VTE risk and the role that early ambulation as an isolated factor plays in prevention of such events. Understanding these limitations is a prerequisite for the proper use and interpretation of VTE risk assessment tools and for indicating the best strategy for preventing venous thrombosis in hospitalized medical patients. The objective of this study was to review the main evidence reported in the literature on the role of ambulation in prevention of VTE

O que mudou nas últimas décadas na profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes internados: artigo de revisão / What has changed in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for hospitalized patients over recent decades: review article

O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) é uma doença frequente e de alta morbimortalidade, sendo considerada a maior causa evitável de mortalidade em pacientes hospitalizados. Apesar da incidência altíssima de TEV em todos os países e das evidências de que a tromboprofilaxia reduz as complicações tromboembólicas em pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos, e a custo baixo, persistem grandes dúvidas quanto à segurança desse tipo de intervenção nos pacientes e quanto à tromboprofilaxia ideal. Inúmeros estudos e recomendações baseadas em evidências comprovam a eficácia da profilaxia na prevenção do TEV e/ou da morte dos pacientes, mas ainda hoje ela é subutilizada. Neste artigo, apresentamos uma ampla revisão dos métodos de profilaxia existentes até os dias atuais, publicados em diretrizes e estudos nacionais e internacionais sobre tromboprofilaxia

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality and is considered the number one cause of avoidable mortality among hospitalized patients. Although VTE incidence is extremely high in all countries and there is ample evidence that thromboprophylaxis inexpensively reduces the rate of thromboembolic complications in both clinical and surgical patients, a great deal of doubt remains with respect to patient safety with this type of intervention and in relation to the ideal thromboprophylaxis methods. Countless studies and evidence-based recommendations confirm the efficacy of prophylaxis for prevention of VTE and/or patient deaths, but it remains underutilized to this day. This article presents a wide-ranging review of existing prophylaxis methods up to the present, from guidelines and national and international studies of thromboprophylaxis

Angioplastia percutánea con balón en hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica / Percutaneous balloon angioplasty for treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica se caracteriza por la presencia de material trombótico organizado dentro de las arterias pulmonares que genera elevación de la resistencia vascular pulmonar, insuficiencia cardíaca derecha y, eventualmente, la muerte. El tratamiento de elección es la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar, que suele ser curativa si la obstrucción es proximal. En algunos casos este tratamiento no es posible y surge como alternativa la angioplastia pulmonar con balón (APB), que está generando creciente interés. Se presentan tres casos de pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica a los que por diferentes circunstancias no pudo tratarse con tromboendarterectomía y se realizó APB comprobándose, en los tres casos, mejoría de la clase funcional, prueba de la caminata de seis minutos, además de parámetros hemodinámicos y angiográficos.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is characterized by the presence of organized thrombotic material in the pulmonary arteries which causes elevation of the pulmonary vascular resistance, right heart failure, and death if not treated. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the treatment of choice and can be curative when the obstruction is proximal. There are cases in which this therapy is not possible, and pulmonary angioplasty is a therapeutic alternative of growing interest. We present our experience with three patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in whom pulmonary endarterectomy was not possible and pulmonary angioplasty was performed. All patients showed improvement of functional class, six-minute walk distance, and hemodynamic as well as angiographic parameters.

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

Septic Pulmonary Embolism Requiring Critical Care: Clinicoradiological Spectrum, Causative Pathogens and Outcomes

OBJECTIVES: Septic pulmonary embolism is an uncommon but life-threatening disorder. However, data on patients with septic pulmonary embolism who require critical care have not been well reported. This study elucidated the clinicoradiological spectrum, causative pathogens and outcomes of septic pulmonary embolism in patients requiring critical care. METHODS: The electronic medical records of 20 patients with septic pulmonary embolism who required intensive care unit admission between January 2005 and December 2013 were reviewed. RESULTS: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome developed in 85% of the patients, and acute respiratory failure was the most common organ failure (75%). The most common computed tomographic findings included a feeding vessel sign (90%), peripheral nodules without cavities (80%) or with cavities (65%), and peripheral wedge-shaped opacities (75%). The most common primary source of infection was liver abscess (40%), followed by pneumonia (25%). The two most frequent causative pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (50%) and Staphylococcus aureus (35%). Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors had significantly higher serum creatinine, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, and they were significantly more likely to have acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and lung abscesses. The in-hospital mortality rate was 30%. Pneumonia was the most common cause of death, followed by liver abscess. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with septic pulmonary embolism who require critical care, especially those with pneumonia and liver abscess, are associated with high mortality. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention and respiratory support are essential.