Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: A Review of Evidence-Based Approaches.

Venous thromboembolism, commonly presented as pulmonary embolism and deep-vein thrombosis, is a paramount and potentially fatal condition with variable clinical presentation. Diagnosis is key to providing appropriate treatment in a safe and timely fashion. Clinical judgment and assessment using clinical scoring systems should guide diagnostic testing, including laboratory and imaging modalities, for optimal results and to avoid unnecessary testing.

Mortality differences by race over 20 years in individuals with peripheral artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Racial disparities exist in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), with Black individuals having worse PAD-specific outcomes. However, mortality risk in this population has been mixed. As such, we sought to evaluate all-cause mortality by race among individuals with PAD. METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Baseline data were obtained from 1999 to 2004. Patients with PAD were grouped according to self-reported race. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) by race. A separate analysis was performed to study the effect of burden of social determinants of health (SDoH) on all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 647 individuals identified, 130 were Black and 323 were White. Black individuals had more premature PAD (30% vs 20%, p < 0.001) and a higher burden of SDoH compared to White individuals. Crude mortality rates were higher in Black individuals in the 40-49-year and 50-69-year age groups compared to White individuals (6.7% vs 6.1% and 8.8% vs 7.8%, respectively). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that Black individuals with both PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) had a 30% higher hazard of death over 20 years compared to White individuals (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-2.1). The cumulative burden of SDoH marginally (10-20%) increased the risk of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample, Black individuals with PAD and CAD had higher rates of mortality compared to their White counterparts. These findings add further proof to the ongoing racial disparities among Black individuals with PAD and highlight the necessity to identify ways to mitigate these differences.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients with spontaneous renal artery dissections.

OBJECTIVES: The natural history and optimal management of spontaneous renal artery dissections (SRADs) are poorly understood. We compared baseline characteristics, presentation, management, and outcomes between patients with symptomatic versus asymptomatic SRADs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of medical charts for patients diagnosed with SRAD at a single, tertiary care center. Patients were identified using billing codes. Patient demographics, medical history, clinical presentation, treatment, and follow up were recorded. We compared patients based on presence or absence of symptoms at the time of SRAD diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included; 73 (58.4%) patients had symptoms at the time of SRAD diagnosis. Symptomatic patients were younger at the time of diagnosis (47.4 vs. 54.3 years, p = 0.008) and more likely male (74.0% vs. 44.2%, p = 0.005). Most patients received medical therapy (93.2% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.32). Endovascular therapy utilization was low in both groups (8.2% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.9). Outcomes between the two groups were comparable; renal function remained stable, and mortality was rare. CONCLUSION: Most patients who presented with SRAD were treated with medical therapy alone and usually experienced a benign course. Further studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology and natural history of renal artery dissections.

Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Cyclist With Iliac Vein Compression From Psoas Muscle Hypertrophy.

A 22-year-old avid cyclist presented with 1 month of right lower extremity pain and associated swelling. Subsequent imaging demonstrated an extensive acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the setting of right iliac vein compression from psoas muscle hypertrophy. We present an unusual risk factor for DVT among cyclists. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Relationships between the use of pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis, sonographic findings, and clinical outcomes in patients with acute proximal DVT: Results from the ATTRACT Multicenter Randomized Trial.

Few studies have documented relationships between endovascular therapy, duplex ultrasonography (DUS), post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and quality of life (QOL). The Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal with Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (ATTRACT) trial randomized 692 patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to receive anticoagulation or anticoagulation plus pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT). Compression DUS was obtained at baseline, 1 month and 12 months. Reflux DUS was obtained at 12 months in a subset of 126 patients. Clinical outcomes were collected over 24 months. At 1 month, patients who received PCDT had less residual thrombus compared to Control patients, evidenced by non-compressible common femoral vein (CFV) (21% vs 35%, p < 0.0001), femoral vein (51% vs 70%, p < 0.0001), and popliteal vein (61% vs 74%, p < 0.0001). At 12 months, in the ultrasound substudy, valvular reflux prevalence was similar between groups (85% vs 91%, p = 0.35). CFV non-compressibility at 1 month was associated with higher rates of any PTS (61% vs 46%, p < 0.001), a higher incidence of moderate-or-severe PTS (30% vs 19%, p = 0.003), and worse QOL (difference 8.2 VEINES-QOL (VEnous INsufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study on Quality of Life) points; p = 0.004) at 24 months. Valvular reflux at 12 months was associated with moderate-or-severe PTS at 24 months (30% vs 0%, p = 0.01). In summary, PCDT results in less residual thrombus but does not reduce venous valvular reflux. CFV non-compressibility at 1 month is associated with more PTS, more severe PTS, and worse QOL at 24 months. Valvular reflux may predispose to moderate-or-severe PTS. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00790335.

Peripheral vascular manifestation in patients receiving an amphetamine analog: A case series.

Amphetamine and its related derivatives and analogues (ADRA) are highly addictive central nervous system stimulants that are used commonly in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. These medications are associated with many side effects but reports of peripheral arterial manifestations associated with ADRA usage are scarce. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 16 patients (median age 37 years (IQR 31-47), 13 females) referred to a single tertiary referral service while receiving ADRA. Follow-up was available for a median of 3 years (IQR 3-4.5). The most common presentation (62.5%) was mild vasospastic symptoms involving the upper, lower or both extremities. Six patients developed severe manifestations including tissue loss and the need for lower extremity amputation. Most patients (75%) refused to stop the medication during follow-up. Underlying rheumatologic disorders were found in 25% of the patients, and the presence of rheumatologic disease seemed to be associated with more severe vascular manifestations. In conclusion, it is important to search for ADRA usage as part of the differential diagnosis of digital ischemia.

Presentation, treatment, and outcomes in patients with spontaneous isolated celiac and superior mesenteric artery dissection.

Spontaneous isolated celiac or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection (SICMAD) is a rare clinical entity. Not much is known about the natural history and appropriate treatment. We retrospectively queried a prospectively collected institutional radiology database for all patients diagnosed with SICMAD from 1990 to 2017. We identified 42 arteries in 40 patients (83.3% male), mean age 54.8 ± 10.9 years, consisting of 24 celiac arteries and 18 SMA. SMA lesions were longer than celiac lesions (5.15 ± 3.81 vs 2.38 ± 1.40 cm, p = 0.008). Thirty-one patients had follow-up; mean follow-up was 4.9 ± 4.8 years. Morphologic improvement was seen in 20 (48%) arteries. Sakamoto IV lesions were more likely to remodel (OR: 11.26, 95% CI: 1.13, 588.26, p = 0.039), and Sakamoto II lesions less likely to remodel (OR: 0, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.93, p = 0.05). Patients received an average of 2.35 scans during follow-up. Symptom resolution occurred in all symptomatic patients, and 16% of patients had recurrence of symptoms. Follow-up CT scans revealed a stable arterial diameter for the majority of patients. In conclusion, the majority of patients with SICMAD improve with medical therapy alone. Aneurysmal dilatation is uncommon.

Radial Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

PURPOSE: To review the causes, clinical course, and management of patients with catheter-associated radial artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA). METHODS: We reviewed all patients diagnosed with radial artery PSA resulting from arterial line placement or radial artery access for cardiac procedures from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: We identified 11 cases: 5 caused by arterial lines and 6 by cardiac procedures. The diagnosis was confirmed by duplex ultrasound in all cases; PSA size ranged from less than 1 cm to 5 cm in diameter. Spontaneous thrombosis (over a mean of 27 days) occurred in 4 patients; each PSA was smaller than 3 cm. Surgery was performed in 7 patients with excision of the stalk and repair of the artery as the most common procedure. Only one case was performed emergently for acute carpal tunnel syndrome. Complications occurring owing to either the PSA or the treatment were recorded in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous thrombosis may occur in smaller lesions over a few weeks. When required, surgery to evacuate the hematoma and repair the artery was effective in all cases. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

What's past is prologue.

Above knee and below knee patency for synthetic endografts are vastly different. Long-term data is encouragingly similar to synthetic bypass grafting. Optimize use of synthetic endografts in above knee femoropopliteal segments in non-critical limb ischemia patients.

Popliteal venous aneurysms: characteristics, management strategies, and clinical outcomes--a modern single-center series.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal vein aneurysm (PVA) may be an incidental finding on imaging, but often presents in the context of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). The role of anticoagulation with or without surgical excision versus expectant management is ill defined. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, patient records from January 2002 to December 2013 were queried for terminology consistent with PVA. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were extracted via chart review. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients with PVA were identified (57% male). Mean follow-up was 38 ± 31 months. Mean PVA diameter was 2.5 ± 1.1 cm; 67% were saccular (with the remainder being fusiform), 19% contained thrombus, 67% were left sided, and bilateral PVA was present in 24% of cases. At the time of PVA diagnosis, 14% had pulmonary embolism. Treatment consisted of observation only (62%), anticoagulation (19%), surgery (5%), or both anticoagulation and surgery (14%). There were no recurrences of VTE once treated, although there was 1 acute deep venous thrombosis in a patient who was managed conservatively. Two patients had recurrent PVA after surgery, and there were 2 surgical complications (transient foot drop and hematoma). CONCLUSIONS: PVA is associated with VTE. Based on our series, it is unclear if incidentally discovered PVA (without VTE) warrants treatment with anticoagulation and/or surgical repair. Further multicenter studies are needed to establish the indications for safety and durability of surgery.

Medical and interventional options to treat pulmonary embolism.

Venous thromboembolism remains one of the most common conditions. Pulmonary embolism carries a mortality rate of over 15 % in the first 3 months after diagnosis. Venous thromboembolism is the fourth leading cause of death in the Western world, and the third leading cause of cardiovascular death trailing myocardial infarction and stroke. This section highlights the medical and interventional options presently available to treat this potentially lethal disease.

Long-term experience and outcomes with transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine the frequency of indications for and the immediate and long-term clinical outcomes of transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). BACKGROUND: Transcatheter PFO closure is commonly performed for several indications, including cryptogenic stroke, despite conflicting data regarding the efficacy of this intervention. METHODS: We report the outcomes of 800 consecutive patients (52% male, 50 ± 14 years of age) who underwent PFO closure at our institution after multidisciplinary evaluation over a 16-year period. RESULTS: Indications for closure included cryptogenic cerebrovascular event (94%), hypoxemia (2%), peripheral embolism (3%), and migraine headaches (2%). Procedural success was 99% with effective closure obtained in 93% of patients. At a mean follow-up of 42.7 ± 33.4 months, 21 patients suffered a recurrent ischemic neurologic event (12 strokes, and 9 transient ischemic attacks) for an incidence rate of 0.79 events per 100 person-years and freedom from recurrent events of 91.6% at 10 years. There was no device-based difference in the rate of recurrent ischemic neurologic events (p = 0.82). Only Eustachian valve prominence (hazard ratio: 9.04; 95% confidence interval: 2.07 to 39.44; p = 0.0034) was associated with recurrent neurologic events. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter PFO closure is safe and feasible in patients with several clinical indications. The long-term efficacy of this intervention in patients with paradoxical embolism appears superb in this observational study. Carefully selected patients with features suggestive of paradoxical embolism are the most likely to benefit from PFO closure and should be the focus of future investigation.

Anatomic correlates of supra-normal ankle brachial indices.

BACKGROUND: Supra-normal ankle brachial index (ABI) (>1.40), poses diagnostic challenges to determine the presence, location, and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The anatomic distribution of PAD in patients with elevated ABI has not been previously described. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients referred to the Massachusetts General Hospital vascular diagnostic laboratory from 5 January 2006 to 12 January 2011 who had both a supra-normal ABI and contrast arteriography (CA) within 3 months of each other is reported. Angiographic patterns were described using the Trans Atlantic Inter Society Consensus II (TASC II) classification. RESULTS: One-hundred sixteen limbs were analyzed in 92 patients. Mean age was 71.6 years (± 11.2); 81.5% (75/92) were male; 85.9% Caucasian (79/92); 67.4% diabetics (62/92); 78.3% hypertensive (72/92); 67.4% hypercholesterolemic (62/92); and 64.1% were current or former tobacco users (59/92). Chronic hemodialysis was present in 18.5% (17/92) and 15.2% (14/92) received chronic corticosteroids. Intermittent claudication was present in 46.7% (43/92) and critical limb ischemia in 52.2% (48/92). Aortoiliac, femoral and infra-popliteal involvement per angiography occurred in 14.9% (15/101), 56.1% (60/107), and 84.0% (84/100), respectively. Multilevel disease was present in 48.8% (42/86) of patients. PAD was absent in 4.7% (4/86) of patients. Toe brachial index <0.7 was found in 92% (92/100) of patients with angiographically confirmed PAD. CONCLUSION: In symptomatic patients referred to a vascular laboratory who were found to have supra-normal ABI, nearly one half exhibited multilevel PAD, and over 80% had infrapopliteal involvement. A supra-normal ABI in such patients mandates evaluation for the presence and extent of PAD.

Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: The Oft-forgotten Cousin of Venous Thromboembolic Disease.

OPINION STATEMENT: Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) accounts for between 4% and 10% of all deep venous thromboses, and may be due to primary or secondary causes. The incidence of UEDVT is increasing, partly due to the exponential growth in the use of central venous catheters and the increasing placement of permanent cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator devices. UEDVT not only compromises future vascular access but results in significant morbidity and mortality, with symptomatic pulmonary embolus occurring in approximately 12%, post-thrombotic syndrome in 13%, and mortality ranging from 15-50%. Treatment of UEDVT depends on the underlying cause, primary or secondary. In this review, we will evaluate the management options and present a proposed treatment algorithm for primary UEDVT, involving catheter-directed thrombolysis, selective use of mechanical thrombectomy, anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy, expeditious early first rib resection to decompress the thoracic outlet, and the role of adjunctive endovascular balloon angioplasty and stenting in improving axillo-subclavian vein patency. With regard to secondary UEDVT, we will present a treatment algorithm for managing central venous catheter (CVC) thrombosis; review the options for antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy; and discuss the role of endovascular therapy. Finally, we will review the data supporting the growing role of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) or venoplasty and endovascular stenting as the modality of choice in managing SVC obstruction, whether due to benign or malignant causes, and provide a brief description of the role, benefits and potential complications of SVC filter placement.

Treatment of renal artery in-stent restenosis with sirolimus-eluting stents.

The objective of this study was to analyze the use of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) placement for the treatment of renal artery in-stent restenosis (RA-ISR). The optimal treatment of RA-ISR has not been fully elucidated to date. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients from our institution who underwent treatment of RA-ISR with a SES from May 2004 to June 2006. Using duplex ultrasound, RA-ISR (> 60% diameter) was determined by peak systolic velocity (PSV) > 300 cm/s and renal aortic ratio (RAR) > 4.0. Renal function (creatinine) and blood pressure were measured at baseline and follow-up. SESs were implanted in 16 patients (22 renal arteries) during the study period. The study cohort was predominantly female (75%) with a mean age of 68 +/- 12 years. RA-ISR was treated with SESs with a mean diameter of 3.5 mm and mean length of 17.9 +/- 3.8 mm. The mean post-dilation balloon diameter was 4.8 +/- 0.6. The baseline renal artery PSV was 445 +/- 131 cm/s with a mean RAR of 5.0 +/- 1.6. Follow-up information was available in 21 renal arteries. During a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 9-15 months), 15 renal arteries (71.4%) developed recurrence of ISR by ultrasonographic criteria. Univariate analysis revealed that female sex was an independent predictor of recurrence of ISR after SES implantation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, placement of a SES for the treatment of ISR in renal arteries is associated with high initial technical success but significant restenosis on duplex ultrasonography at follow-up.

Safety and short-term outcomes following controlled blunt microdissection revascularization of symptomatic arterial occlusions of the pelvis and lower extremities.

PURPOSE: To present the safety and short-term outcomes of using controlled blunt microdissection catheter-assisted revascularization of symptomatic chronic total occlusions of the lower extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 61 patients (46 men) with a mean age of 72.3 years +/- 9.4 who underwent 67 procedures in 86 arteries between June 2003 and March 2007 for claudication (38 procedures, 57%), rest pain (19 procedures, 28%), and tissue loss (10 procedures, 15%). Technical success was defined as successful traversal of the occlusion. Duplex ultrasonography (US) was used to assess patency. Clinical patency was defined as at least one category improvement in Rutherford score from baseline and absence of target limb revascularization or major amputation at 6 months. RESULTS: Chronic total occlusions were located in aortoiliac (11 arteries, 13%), infrainguinal (72 arteries, 83%), and infrapopliteal (four arteries, 5%) arteries. The mean lesion length was 14.2 cm +/- 8. The tibial run-off vessels was 1.9 vessels +/- 0.8. The technical success rate of the procedure was 84%. Advanced age (P = .04), renal function (P = .02), and target lesion length (P < or = .01) were predictors of technical failure. The clinical success rate at 6 months was 92%, and the primary patency with duplex US was 87%. Renal function (P < or = .01), length of the occlusion (P < or =.01), number of stents per procedure (P < or =.01), and tibial run-off vessels (P = .05) were the predictors of clinical success. CONCLUSIONS: The controlled blunt microdissection catheter is safe in the revascularization of chronic total occlusions of the lower extremity. The technical success rate was 84% and predicted by age, renal function, and lesion characteristics. Clinical patency at 6 months was 92% and predicted by renal function, lesion characteristics, and run-off.

Carotid duplex ultrasound velocity measurements versus intravascular ultrasound in detecting carotid in-stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: Duplex ultrasonography criteria for assessing the severity of carotid artery (CA) in-stent restenosis are not well established. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 39 patients (40 CAs) who underwent CA stenting with baseline and 6-month follow-up carotid duplex ultrasonography and intravascular ultrasound. Intravascular ultrasound measurements included minimum luminal diameter, percent diameter, and lumen area stenosis. Duplex ultrasonography measurements included peak systolic velocity (PSV), percentage change in PSV, end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and internal-to-common CA PSV ratio (ICA/CCA). Receiver operating characteristic curves assessed each duplex measurement to detect >or=50% diameter, >or=75% lumen area stenosis, and minimum luminal diameter <3 mm at follow-up. At 6-month intravascular ultrasound follow-up, >or=50% diameter and >or=75% lumen area CA in-stent restenosis occurred in 20% and 25%, respectively; minimum luminal diameter <3 cm occurred in 48%. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves for PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA were 0.85, 0.96, and 0.89 for >or=50% diameter stenosis and 0.89, 0.93, and 0.88 for >or=75% lumen area stenosis, respectively. Optimal PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA criteria to detect >or=50% diameter and >or=75% lumen area CA in-stent restenosis were greater compared with those for native CA. A >98% increase in PSV had the highest specificity, whereas the combination of EDV >41 cm/s and ICA/CCA >2 had the highest sensitivity in detecting >or=75% lumen area CA in-stent restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA PSV ratio were good discriminators for detecting significant diameter and lumen area greater compared with those for native CA. The combination of duplex velocity criteria increases diagnostic accuracy.