Evaluation of Pan-Immuno-Inflammation Value for In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism Patients

ABSTRACT Background: Pan-immuno-inflammation value is a new and comprehensive index that reflects both the immune response and systemic inflammation in the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of pan-immuno-inflammation value in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism patients and to compare it with the well-known risk scoring system, pulmonay embolism severity index, which is commonly used for a short-term mortality prediction in such patients. Methods: In total, 373 acute pulmonary embolism patients diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography were included in the study. Detailed cardiac evaluation of each patient was performed and pulmonary embolism severity index and pan-immuno-inflammation value were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients died during their hospital stay. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline heart rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, pan-immuno-inflammation value, and pulmonary embolism severity index were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonay embolism patients. When comparing with pulmonary embolism severity index, pan-immuno-inflammation value was non-inferior in terms of predicting the survival status in patients with acute pulmonay embolism. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the PIV was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonay embolism patients and was non-inferior to the pulmonary embolism severity index. (Rev Invest Clin. 2024;76(2):97-102)

Evaluation of pan-Immuno-Inflammation value for In-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism patients.

Background: Pan-immuno-inflammation value (PIV) is a new and comprehensive index that reflects both the immune response and systemic inflammation in the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of PIV in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients and to compare it with the well-known risk scoring system, PE severity index (PESI), which is commonly used for a short-term mortality prediction in such patients. Methods: In total, 373 acute PE patients diagnosed with contrast-enhanced computed tomography were included in the study. Detailed cardiac evaluation of each patient was performed and PESI and PIV were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients died during their hospital stay. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline heart rate, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, PIV, and PESI were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in acute PE patients. When comparing with PESI, PIV was non-inferior in terms of predicting the survival status in patients with acute PE. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the PIV was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute PE patients and was non-inferior to the PESI.

Role of surgical embolectomy in the management of acute massive and submassive pulmonary embolism in the setting of a small island developing state.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a life-threatening condition despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Treatment modalities include systemic thrombolysis, catheter-based therapies and surgical embolectomy. This case report describes the first recorded surgical embolectomy for acute PE in Barbados, a small island developing state.

Successful use of rivaroxaban achieving therapeutic anti-factor xa levels in a morbidly obese patient with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism.

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become the standard of care for acute and long-term therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to their efficacy and safety profiles. The 2021 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines recommend using standard DOAC dosages in patients with BMI >40 kg/m2 or weight >120 kg. Use of DOACs remains uncertain in morbidly obese patients with VTE, including acute PE. A morbidly obese woman in her 30s who presented with acute worsening of dyspnea was diagnosed with acute intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism and concomitant proximal deep vein thrombosis, constituting a clinically challenging scenario for treating her with rivaroxaban. Standard doses of rivaroxaban for acute and extended phase treatment of venous thromboembolism in individuals with morbid obesity at BMI>70 kg/m2 may be effective, and safe.

Devido à sua eficácia e aos seus perfis de segurança, os anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs) tornaram-se o padrão de cuidado para a terapia aguda e de longo prazo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV). As diretrizes da Sociedade Internacional de Trombose e Hemostasia de 2021 recomendam o uso de dosagens padrão de DOACs em pacientes com índice de massa corporal (IMC) > 40 kg/m2 ou peso > 120 kg. O uso de DOACs em pacientes com obesidade mórbida e TEV, incluindo embolia pulmonar aguda, ainda não foi esclarecido. Uma mulher com obesidade mórbida na faixa dos 30 anos que apresentou piora aguda da dispneia foi diagnosticada com embolia pulmonar aguda de risco intermediário-alto e trombose venosa profunda proximal concomitante, com o cenário clínico desafiador de tratá-la com rivaroxabana. Doses padrão de rivaroxabana para tratamento e recorrência de tromboembolismo venoso em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida e IMC > 70 kg/m2 podem ser eficazes e seguras.

Head-to-head comparison of ventilation/perfusion single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and multidetector computed tomography angiography for the detection of acute pulmonary embolism in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) images have been widely used to detect PE, but few studies have performed a direct comparison between them. We aimed to evaluate the performance of these tests in the same group of patients, selected from the routine practice of a general hospital. METHODS: Patients with suspected acute PE were prospectively submitted to CTA and V/Q SPECT/CT. General radiologists and nuclear physicians, respectively, interpreted the images. Data regarding age, sex, time between examinations, symptoms, and Wells score were also recorded. The final diagnosis was decided through a consensus among the clinicians, taking into account clinical, laboratory, follow-up, and all imaging procedures data. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (15 male, 13 female, and median age of 51.5 years) were studied. Median duration of the onset of symptoms was 4 (1-14) days, and the median Wells score was 3.5 (1.5-6). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were 84.6%, 80.0%, 78.6%, 85.7%, and 82.1% for V/Q SPECT/CT, and 46.1%, 100%, 100%, 68.2%, and 75.0% for CTA. The overall agreement between the methods was 57.1%. Of the 22 patients with negative CTA, 10 (45.4%) had positives V/Q SPECT/CT and seven of them classified as true positives. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that V/Q SPECT/CT is more sensitive and accurate than CTA when interpreted by general radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.

Successful use of rivaroxaban achieving therapeutic anti-factor xa levels in a morbidly obese patient with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism / Uso bem-sucedido de rivaroxabana com níveis terapêuticos de antifator xa em paciente com obesidade mórbida e embolia pulmonar aguda de risco intermediário-alto

Abstract Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become the standard of care for acute and long-term therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to their efficacy and safety profiles. The 2021 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines recommend using standard DOAC dosages in patients with BMI >40 kg/m2 or weight >120 kg. Use of DOACs remains uncertain in morbidly obese patients with VTE, including acute PE. A morbidly obese woman in her 30s who presented with acute worsening of dyspnea was diagnosed with acute intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism and concomitant proximal deep vein thrombosis, constituting a clinically challenging scenario for treating her with rivaroxaban. Standard doses of rivaroxaban for acute and extended phase treatment of venous thromboembolism in individuals with morbid obesity at BMI>70 kg/m2 may be effective, and safe.

Resumo Devido à sua eficácia e aos seus perfis de segurança, os anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs) tornaram-se o padrão de cuidado para a terapia aguda e de longo prazo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV). As diretrizes da Sociedade Internacional de Trombose e Hemostasia de 2021 recomendam o uso de dosagens padrão de DOACs em pacientes com índice de massa corporal (IMC) > 40 kg/m2 ou peso > 120 kg. O uso de DOACs em pacientes com obesidade mórbida e TEV, incluindo embolia pulmonar aguda, ainda não foi esclarecido. Uma mulher com obesidade mórbida na faixa dos 30 anos que apresentou piora aguda da dispneia foi diagnosticada com embolia pulmonar aguda de risco intermediário-alto e trombose venosa profunda proximal concomitante, com o cenário clínico desafiador de tratá-la com rivaroxabana. Doses padrão de rivaroxabana para tratamento e recorrência de tromboembolismo venoso em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida e IMC > 70 kg/m2 podem ser eficazes e seguras.

Institutional trends over a decade in catheter-directed interventions for pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: Catheter-directed interventions (CDIs) are commonly performed for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The evolving catheter types and treatment algorithms impact the use and outcomes of these interventions. This study aimed to investigate the changes in CDI practice and their impact on outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent CDIs for PE between 2010 and 2019 at a single institution were identified from a prospectively maintained database. A PE team was launched in 2012, and in 2014 was established as an official Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. CDI annual use trends and clinical failures were recorded. Clinical success was defined as physiologic improvement in the absence of major bleeding, perioperative stroke or other procedure-related adverse event, decompensation for submassive or persistent shock for massive PE, the need for surgical thromboembolectomy, or death. Major bleeding was defined as requiring a blood transfusion, a surgical intervention, or suffering from an intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: There were 372 patients who underwent a CDI for acute PE during the study period with a mean age of 58.9 ± 15.4 years; there were males 187 (50.3%) and 340 patients has a submassive PE (91.4%). CDI showed a steep increase in the early Pulmonary Embolism Response Team years, peaking in 2016 with a subsequent decrease. Ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis was the predominant CDI technique peaking at 84% of all CDI in 2014. Suction thrombectomy use peaked at 15.2% of CDI in 2019. The mean alteplase dose with catheter thrombolysis techniques decreased from 26.8 ± 12.5 mg in 2013 to 13.9 ± 7.5 mg in 2019 (P < .001). The mean lysis time decreased from 17.2 ± 8.3 hours in 2013 to 11.3 ± 8.2 hours in 2019 (P < .001). Clinical success for the massive and the submassive PE cohorts was 58.1% and 91.2%, respectively; the major bleed rates were 25.0% and 5.3%. There were two major clinical success peaks, one in 2015 mirroring our technical learning curve and one in 2019 mirroring our patient selection learning curve. The clinical success decrease in 2018 was primarily derived from blood transfusions owing to acute blood loss during suction thrombectomy. CONCLUSIONS: CDIs for acute PE have rapidly evolved with high success rates. Multidisciplinary approaches among centers with appropriate expertise are advisable for the safe and successful implementation of catheter interventions.

A meta-analysis of outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis for high- and intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: During the past few years, there has been a surge in the use of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for acute pulmonary embolism (PE), in the form of either standard CDT or ultrasound-assisted CDT (usCDT). This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published series on contemporary CDT for acute PE seeking to determine their clinical efficacy, stratifying by PE severity and CDT modality. METHODS: A comprehensive MEDLINE and Embase search was performed to identify studies that reported outcomes of CDT for acute PE published from 2009 to July 2017. Outcomes included clinical success (in-hospital survival with stabilization of hemodynamics, without decompensation or any major complication), in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, right ventricular/left ventricular ratio, and Miller score changes after CDT. Meta-analyses assumed random effects. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 1168 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Available for subgroup analysis were 210 patients with high-risk PE and 945 patients with intermediate-risk PE; 181 patients received CDT using a standard multiside hole catheter, and 850 received usCDT. The pooled average right ventricular/left ventricular improvement and Miller score drop after CDT were 0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.39) and 8.8 (95% CI, 7.1-10.5). For high-risk PE, the pooled estimate for clinical success was 81.3% (95% CI, 72.5%-89.1%), the 30-day mortality estimate was 8.0% (95% CI, 3.2%-14.0%), and major bleeding was 6.7% (95% CI, 1.0%-15.3%). For intermediate-risk PE, the pooled estimate for clinical success was 97.5% (95% CI, 95.3%-99.1%), the 30-day mortality was 0% (95% CI, 0%-0.5%), and major bleeding was 1.4% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.8%). In high-risk PE, clinical success for CDT and usCDT was 70.8% (95% CI, 53.4%-85.8%) and 83.1% (95% CI, 68.5%-94.5%), respectively. In intermediate-risk PE, clinical success for CDT and usCDT was 95.0% (95% CI, 88.5%-99.2%) and 97.5% (95% CI, 95.0%-99.4%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter thrombolysis has high clinical success rates in both high- and intermediate-risk PE, but higher mortality and bleeding rates should be anticipated in high-risk PE. Ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis may be more effective than standard CDT in the higher risk population.

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.

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

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 micro-vascular 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.

Effects of different inspired oxygen fractions on sildenafil-induced pulmonary anti-hypertensive effects in a sheep model of acute pulmonary embolism.

AIMS: Sildenafil is a pulmonary anti-hypertensive agent whose action could be modified by different fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2). We compared the effects of pure oxygen (FiO2 > 90%) or room air (21% FiO2) on the cardiopulmonary actions of sildenafil in sheep with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). MAIN METHODS: Thirty-two anesthetized, mechanically ventilated sheep (34.9 ± 5.4 kg), were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 8 per group): FiO2 > 90% without intervention; APE induced by microspheres with FiO2 > 90%, followed 30 min later by placebo (Emb90); or APE followed 30 min later by intravenous sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg over 30 min) with FiO2 > 90% (Emb + Sild90) or 21% FiO2 (Emb + Sild21) [Corrected]. Variables were recorded until 30 min after the end of treatment administration. KEY FINDINGS: Microsphere injection increased (P < 0.05) mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) in all embolized groups (111-140% higher than that of baseline). Compared with values recorded 30 min after induction of APE (E30), sildenafil induced greater decreases in MPAP in the Emb + Sil90 group than in the Emb + Sil21 group (23% and 14% lower than E30, respectively). Hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mm Hg) was precipitated by sildenafil due to systemic vasodilation in the Emb + Sil21 group. Embolization lowered the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and increased venous admixture, but sildenafil did not alter the oxygenation impairment induced by APE. SIGNIFICANCE: Sildenafil induces a more consistent pulmonary anti-hypertensive effect and causes less interference with the systemic circulation with the concomitant use of pure oxygen than that with room air in the APE setting.

Evaluación de la función ventricular y auricular derecha con ecocardiografía 3D en tromboembolia pulmonar aguda / Assessment of right ventricular and atrial function with 3D echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism

Introducción: La tromboembolia pulmonar aguda (TEP) es un padecimiento grave. La ecocardiografía tridimensional (ECO-3D) es un método accesible, novedoso y preciso para cuantificar la función ventricular y auricular derechas. A la fecha, no existen suficientes estudios que evalúen su papel en esta entidad. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad del ECO-3D en la evaluación de la función ventricular y auricular derecha, y el riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares en pacientes con TEP aguda. Material y métodos: Se analizaron 35 pacientes, admitidos al HC CMN SXXI con TEP por angioTAC, mediante equipo Phillips IE 33, se midieron parámetros bidimensionales (2D) y 3D relacionados con función ventricular y auricular derecha (TomTec y qlab 10). Se evaluaron complicaciones cardiovasculares intrahospitalarias. Resultados: El riesgo relativo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores combinados (ECMC) intrahospitalarios por ECO-3D fue: índice de esfericidad de la aurícula derecha > 1.32; RR 20.3 IC 95% 2.9-13.8; p = 0.0001, FEVD RR 7.3 IC 95% 2.5-20.9; p = 0.0001, VDFVD > 77 mL RR de 7.3 IC 95% 2.56-20.9; p = 0.0001, VSFVD RR 5.5 IC 95% 2.26-13.3; p = 0.0001. El análisis multivariado mostró tres predictores de riesgo independiente: índice de esfericidad de la aurícula derecha > 1.32, TEP masiva y presión arterial media. Conclusiones: La evaluación combinada mediante ecocardiografía 3D de función ventricular y auricular derechas permiten una evaluación cuantitativa, predicción del riesgo para la presentación de complicaciones cardiovasculares y tiempo de estancia intrahospitalarios en pacientes con TEP aguda.

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition. Tridimensional Ecocardiography (3D ECHO) is an accessible, novel and accurate method for determination of right ventricular and atrial function. To date there are insufficient studies to assess their role in this entity. Objective: Determine the usefulness of ECO-3D in evaluating right atrial and ventricular function, and the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with acute PE. Material and methods: 35 patients were admitted to the HC CMN SXXI with PE by CT angiogram, we analized 2D and 3D parameters by Philips iE33, right atrial and ventricular function (TomTec and QLAB 10). Hospital cardiovascular complications were evaluated. Results: The relative risk of major combined cardiovascular events for 3D ECHO was: right atrial sphericity index > 1.32; RR 20.3 95% CI 2.9-13.8; p = 0.0001, RVEF RR 7.3 95% CI 2.5-20.9; p = 0.0001, RVEDV> 77 mL RR 2.56 95% CI 7.3-20.9, p = 0.0001, RR 5.5 RVESV 95% CI 2.26-13.3; p = 0.0001. Multivariate analysis showed three independent risk predictors: right atrial sphericity index > 1.32, massive PE and mean arterial pressure. Conclusions: The combined assessment by 3D echocardiography right ventricular and atrial function allow a quantitative assessment, risk prediction for cardiovascular complications and presentation of time-hospital stay in patients with acute PE.