Comparison of functional fibrinogen assessment using thromboelastography with the standard von Clauss method.

AIM: To compare assessment of fibrinogen by thromboelastography with the standard von Clauss method. METHODS: Observational prospective study. RESULTS: Thromboelastography provides direct and complex evaluation of the entire coagulation cascade based upon changes in blood viscosity. It affects both platelets and plasma components. New application of this method measures fibrinogen contribution to coagulation as opposed to fibrinogen antigen levels measured by immunoassay. Paired samples from 117 patients before cardiopulmonary bypass were compared. A moderate correlation was found between fibrinogen and functional fibrinogen with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.476. CONCLUSION: The functional fibrinogen test is a valid point-of-care method for fibrinogen assay with a moderate correlation to the standard method.

Acute aortic dissection complicated by fistula from aorta to right ventricle through ventricular septum.

A case report of aortic dissection (AoD) complicated by a shunt to the right ventricle is presented. Complications, treatment options, and survival of patients with Type A and Type B AoD are reviewed.