Objective To study the diagnostic value of MRI for pulmonary embolism, so as to provide information for clinical decision. Methods The trials about MRI in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism were searched in the following databases such as PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI and VIP. The data of the included trials were extracted, the methodological quality was evaluated in accordance with the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS), and then meta-analysis was conducted using Meta-Disc 1.4 software. The weighted sensitivity and specificity were aggregated, as well as the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Further, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the value of MRI in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Results A total of 6 English articles involing 595 patients were included. The results of heterogeneity test revealed that there was statistical heterogeneity among the results of studies. According to the random effects model, the weighted sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 (95%CI 0.80 to 0.91), and 0.98 (95%CI 0.96 to 0.99), respectively; and the AUC was 0.988 7. Conclusion MRI is a better non-invasive method as a routine examination for pulmonary embolism. It shows fairly high sensitivity and specificity, and has a good clinical value.
Objective To investigate the prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for short-term all-cause mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Methods Such databases as PubMed, EMbase, Central Register of Controlled Trials, CBM, and CNKI (from the date of their establishments to March 2010) were searched. The level of BNP and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was collected to conduct eligible cohort study for assessing their effects on APE prognosis. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed in those clinical trials in line with the inclusion criteria. Then, RevMan 5.0 software was applied to carry out meta-analyses. Results Sixteen relevant studies with 1 126 APE patients were included. Nine studies reported BNP level and seven studies reported NT-pro BNP level. There was less satistical and clinical Heterogeneity among the groups (P=0.94, I2=0; P=0.99, I2=0). The meta-analyses results showed: the BNP or NT-pro BNP level was closely related with the short-term all-cause mortality. SPE was 0.52, + LR was 1.87, –LR was 0.20, PPV was 0.16, NPV was 0.98, SROC area under the curve was 0.830 5, SE (AUC) = 0.033 5.Conclusion While elevated BNP levels can help to identify APE patients at a higher risk of death, the high negative predictive value of normal BNP levels is more useful for doctors to identify patients with less likelihood of adverse events so as to conduct a selective follow-up.
Objective To assess the predictive value of alveolar dead space fraction ( ADSF) for severity and reperfusion of acute pulmonary embolism( APE) . Methods 39 consecutive patients with APE were enrolled in a perspective study from July 2004 to March 2007. All patients were divided into a large pulmonary embolism group ( LPE) and a small pulmonary embolism group ( SPE) based to the mass and location of the embolus. The patients of the LPE group received thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation,while the patients of the SPE group received anticoagulation only. CTPA or lung scintigraphy was performed before and after treatment to confirm the resolve condition of the embolism after treatment. Pressure of endexpired carbon dioxide ( PETCO2 ) and blood gas analysis ( including PaCO2 ) were measured at the time of run-in and 30 days after treatment by bedside. ADSF was calculated by PET CO2 and PaCO2 . Results Among 39 APE patients, there were 18 patients in the LPE group, while 21 in the SPE group. The ADSF of the LPE group before treatment were higher than that of the SPE group ( 0. 34 ±0. 078 vs. 0. 18 ±0. 027,P lt;0. 05) . The ADSF decreased significantly after treatment in the patients with full reperfusion ( 0. 09 ±0. 04 vs. 0. 28 ±0. 11, P lt;0. 01) . Conclusion As a bedside test, ADSF can reflect the mass of embolism and the reperfusion condition, and is useful in monitoring the disease.
Objective To explore the value of CT obstruction index ( CTI) on CT pulmonary angiography( CTPA) in estimating the severity of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods 27 patients with pulmonary embolism were retrospectively studied. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by CTPA. The correlations between CTI and arterial blood gas and shock index ( SI) were assessed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. Blood gas values and SI were comparatively evaluated belowand above different CTI cutoffvalues( 30% , 40% , 50% , and 60% , respectively) . Results A significant correlation was found between CTI and PaO2 ( r = - 0. 416, P =0. 031) , and also between CTI and P( A-a) O2 ( r =0. 468, P =0. 014) . PaO2 ( P =0. 027) and P( A-a) O2 ( P = 0. 034) were significantly different between pulmonary embolism patients above and below the CTI 60% cutoff value( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusions CTI is an effective index to evaluate the severity of pulmonary embolism. CTI gt;60% might be an indicator of higher severity.
【Abstract】 Objective To improve the knowledge of pulmonary embolism with normal D-dimer levels. Methods Nine consecutive patients of established pulmonary embolism with a normal D-dimer concentration admitted from January 2004 to December 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Pulmonary embolism was confirmed in the 9 patients with a normal D-dimer concentration. Pulmonary embolismwas confirmed in only one patientwith an unlikely probability of pulmonary embolism. Wells score was 3 and the localization of the emboli was segmental emboli. In other 8 patients with a likely clinical probability of pulmonary embolism, the complaints of those patients existed between 1 hour and 2 months.Wells score was between 4. 5 and 7. 5, with a median of 6. 0. D-dimer concentration was between 0. 1 and 0. 5 mg/L, with a median of 0. 3 mg/L. The localization of the emboli was sub-segmental emboli in 3 cases,segmental emboli in 4 cases, and central emboli in 2 cases. Conclusions Our findings indicate that it is essential to examine the patient and assess the clinical probability at the first, then the D-dimer concentration should be taken into account. In patients with a likely clinical probability, a normal D-dimer test result can not exclude pulmonary embolism, and additional imaging testing is necessary.
Objective To improve the knowledge of inflammatory bowel disease complicated with venous thromboembolism for better diagnosis and treatment. Methods One case of patient with ulcerative colitis complicated with a multiple vessel thromboembolism ( pulmonary arterial, deep vein of lower limb, and superior mesenteric vein) was analyzed, and related literatures were reviewed. Results The patient resulted in pulmonary thromboembolism ( PTE) recurrence because of irregular treatment. In addition to deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity, a new discovery of the superior mesenteric vein embolism ( MVT) was diagnosed. The bleeding risk of heparin or lowmolecular weight heparin ( LMWH) for treatment is low, while that of warfarin is high. Conclusions Venous thromboembolism ( VTE) has a close relationship with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) such as ulcerative colitis. The symptomis not so typical that it is easy to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. It is noted that mesenteric venous thrombosis ( MVT) should be excluded in IBD patients suffering from VTE, if the source of embolus is not clear. Suitable treatment should be considered according to the risk stratification of VTE and risk-benefit ratio because of a high bleeding risk.
Objective To analyze the clinical features of patients with acute pulmonary embolism ( APE) with normal blood pressure and right ventricular dysfunction. Methods 130 hospitalized patients with normotensive APE between January 2009 and January 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography to determine if they were complicated with RVD. The clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment were analyzed and compared between the normotensive APE patients with or without RVD. Results 41 normotensive APE patients with RVD were as RVD group, and other 89 patients without RVD were as non-RVD group. The incidences of syncope ( 34.1% vs. 7.8% ) , tachycardia( 41.4% vs. 21.3% ) , P2 hyperthyroidism( 46.3% vs. 25.8% ) , jugular vein filling ( 12.1% vs. 1.1% ) , and cyanosis ( 26.8% vs. 8.9% ) were all significantly higher in the RVD group than those in the non-RVD group ( P lt; 0.05) . Computed tomography pulmonary angiography ( CTPA) revealed that the incidences of thromboembolism involving proximal pulmonary artery ( 58. 3% vs. 8. 3% ) and thromboembolism involving lobar pulmonary ( 77.8% vs.51.2% ) were also higher in the RVD group ( P lt; 0.001, P = 0.025 ) . In the RVD group, the patients were assigned to received thrombolysis plus anticoagulation therapy, or anticoagulation therapy alone. The clinical indicators ( heart rate, PaCO2 , AaDO2 , SPAP, TRPG) were all statistically improved after thrombolysis or anticoagulation treatment ( P lt;0.001) . But compared with the patients who underwent anticoagulation therapy alone, the cost of treatment and the incidence of minor bleeding were significantly higher, and the levels of AaDO2 , SPAP and TRPG were statistically lower in the patients with thrombolysis plus anticoagulation therapy. Conclusions For APE patients with central pulmonary embolism demonstrated by CTPA, syncope, and tachycardia, transthoracic echocardiograph should be performed as early as possible to confirm RVD diagnosis. For normotensive APE patients with RVD, anticoagulant treatment can achieve higher efficacy of costeffectiveness ratio.
Objective To improve the knowledge of paradoxical embolism originated from pulmonary embolism. Methods The medical literature about pulmonary embolism complicated with paradoxical embolism from 1998 to 2011 was searched from “Wanfang medical literature database”. Meanwhile 1 case diagnosed in Central Hospital of Dazhou City was reported. Then the clinical characteristics were summarized. Results 51 cases of pulmonary embolism complicated with paradoxical embolism were diagnosed, aged from23 to 76 years old. There were 27 males and 23 females, and sex was unknown in 1 case. In all cases, the cerebral embolism occurred in 30 cases( 58. 8% ) , lower limb artery embolism in 14 cases( 27. 4% ) , kidney artery embolism in 6 cases( 11. 8% ) , patent foramen ovale with straddling thrombus in 4 cases( 8% ) ,multiple embolismin 8 cases( 15. 7% ) , heart ventricle with straddling thrombus in 1 case ( 1. 96% ) , coronary artery embolism in 1 case( 1. 96% ) , aorta embolism in 1 case( 1. 96% ) , and spleen embolism in 1 case ( 1. 96% ) . There were 35 patients ( 68. 8% ) with patent foramen ovale and 7 cases ( 13. 7% ) died. Conclusions Paradoxical embolism waranted more awareness in the cases of pulmonary embolismand/ or venous thromboembolism and aggressive screening might avoid misdiagnosis.
Abstract： Objective To investigate strategies for prevention，early diagnosis，and prompt treatment for acute pulmonary embolism（PE）after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery（VATS）lobectomy. Methods From January 2007 to November 2010, 1 115 patients with lung cancer underwent VATS lobectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College. Among them, 13 patients had acute PE postoperatively, including 6 male patients and 7 female patients with their mean age of 62.3 years（ranging from 42 to 73 years）.All the patients were diagnosed by spiral CT pulmonary artery angiography（SCTPA）, and received anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin and warfarin. Results The incidence of acute PE after VATS lobectomy was 1.17%（13/1 115）, and the patients with low PE-related early mortality risk accounted for a large proportion（11/13）. There were 12 patients with right-side PE. All the patients’ signs and symptoms were significantly alleviated after administration of anticoagulation therapy. Nine patients received SCTPA review after treatment which showed that their PE had disappeared or been significantly absorbed. No hematological complications including thoracic hemorrhage or wound errhysis occurred after treatment. All surviving patients were followed up for 1 month to 3 months. During follow-up, these patients were alive without PE recurrence. Conclusion SCTPA is the first-choice examination for the diagnosis of acute PE after VATS lobectomy. Prophylaxis against PE and prompt treatment are necessary depending on individual manifestations. VATS lobectomy should be favored as a minimally invasive surgical treatment for patients with lung cancer, for the low incidence of postoperative PE and low PE-related early mortality risk.
Abstract: Objective To retrospectively compare the difference of the effects of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) between distal and proximal types of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods The data of 70 patients (including 44 male patients and 26 female patients, the average age was 46.2 years old, ranging from 17 to 72) with CTEPH having undergone PTE from March 2002 to March 2009 in Anzhen Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We classified them into two different groups which were the proximal CTEPH group (n=51) and the distal CTEPH group (n=19) according to the pathological classification of the CTEPH. Clinical data, hemodynamics blood gas analysis and so on of both groups were compared. Results There was no perioperative deaths in both groups. Compared with the proximal group, cardiopulmonary bypass time [CM(159mm](189.5±41.5 min vs.155.5±39.5 min,P=0.003), aorta cross clamp time (91.3±27.8 min vs.67.2±27.8 min,P=0.002) and DHCA time (41.7±14.6 min vs.25.7±11.6 min,P=0.000) were significantly longer in the distal group. The incidence of residual pulmonary hypertension in the distal group was significantly higher than that in the proximal group (42.1% vs.13.7%,P=0.013), while the incidence of pulmonary reperfusion injury postoperatively in the proximal group was significantly higher than that in the distal group (41.2% vs.10.5%, P=0.021). SwanGanz catheterization and blood gas index were obviously improved in both groups. However, the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP, 67.8±21.3 mm Hg vs.45.5±17.4 mm Hg,P=0.000) and the pulmonary vascular resistance ［PVR, 52.8±32.1 kPa/(L·s) vs.37.9±20.7 kPa/(L·s),P=0.024］ in the distal group were significantly higher than those in the proximal group and the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood of the distal group was significantly lower than that of the proximal group (76.7±8.7 mm Hg vs.88.8±9.3 mm Hg,P=0.000). After operation, 70 patients were followed up with no deaths during the followup period. The time of the followup ranged from 2 to 81 months (32.7±19.6 months) with a cumulative followup of 191.8 patientyears. Three months after operation, 47 patients were examined by pulmonary artery computer tomography angiogram (PACTA) and isotope perfusion/ventilation scan, which showed that the residual occlusive pulmonary artery segment in the proximal group was significantly fewer than that in the distal group (isotope perfusion/ventilation scan: 2.2±11 segments vs. 4.7±2.1 segments, P=0.000; PACTA: 3.5±1.4 segments vs. 4.9±2.0 segments,P=0.009). The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) in the proximal group were significantly better than those in the distal group (1.7±0.5 class vs 2.3±0.4 class; 479.2±51.2 m vs. 438.6±39.5 m, P=0.003). Venous thrombosis in double lower limbs reoccurred in two patients. According to KaplanMeier actuarial curve, the freedom from reembolism at 3 years was 96.7%±2.8%. Bleeding complications occurred in three patients. The linear Bleeding rate related to anticoagulation was 2.47% patientyears. Conclusion Although the early and midlong term survival rate of PTE procedure to treat both proximal and distal types of CTEPH is agreeable, the recovery of the PASP, PVR and 6MWD, and blood gases in patients with proximal type of CTEPH are significantly better than those in patients with distal type of CTEPH. On one hand, anticoagulation can singularly provide enough protection to patients with proximal type of CTEPH, but on the other hand, diuretics and pulmonary hypertension alleviation drug should be added to the treatment regimen for patients with distal type of CTEPH after the procedure of PTE.