Research progress on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COPD with pulmonary embolism

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is one of the most common and important diseases leading to the death of elderly patients in the world at present.It is characterized by continuous airflow restriction and irreversible chronic airway obstruction,which can easily lead to a variety of complications and accompanying symptoms,greatly affecting the quality of life of individuals and increasing the economic burden of families and society.Pulmonary embolism(PE)is one of the complications of COPD,which can lead to pulmonary blood circulation and respiratory failure,with a high risk of death.However,because its clinical symptoms overlap with the symptoms of acute exacerbation of COPD and lack of specific clinical manifestations and laboratory tests,it is easy to be misdiagnosed and ignored,thus delaying the treatment of patients and affecting the prognosis.This article will elaborate on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combined with pulmonary embolism,providing certain value for early identification of COPD combined with PE patients and the severity of the condition.

Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery:Is it a real threat?

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is a rare but devastating complication of shoulder surgery.Apart from increased morbidity and mortality rates,it may significantly impair postoperative recovery and functional outcome.Its frequency accounts for up to 5.7%of all shoulder surgery procedures with a higher occurrence in women and patients older than 70 years.It is most commonly associated with thrombophilia,diabetes mellitus,obesity,smoking,hypertension,and a history of malignancy.PE usually occurs secondary to upper or lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT).However,in rare cases,the source of the thrombi cannot be determined.Prophylaxis for PE following shoulder surgery remains a topic of debate,and the standard of care does not routinely require prophylactic medication for DVT prophylaxis.Early ambulation and elastic stockings are important preventative measures for DVT of the lower extremity and medical agents such as aspirin,low-molecular-weight heparin,and vitamin K antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients,long-lasting operations,or concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath,but PE can also be asymptomatic in patients with intrinsic tolerance of hypoxia.Patients with DVT may also present with swelling and pain of the respective extremity.The treatment of PE includes inpatient or outpatient anticoagulant therapy if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or stable,respectively.Hemodynamic instability may require transfer to the intensive care unit,and cardiovascular arrest can be implicated in fatal events.An important issue for patients with PE in the postoperative period after shoulder surgery is residual stiffness due to a delay in rehabilitation and a prolonged hospital stay.Early physiotherapy and range-of-motion exercises do not adversely affect the prognosis of PE and are highly recommended to preserve shoulder mobility and function.

Magnetic resonance angiography for the primary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: A review from the international workshop for pulmonary functional imaging

Pulmonary contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography(CE-MRA) is useful for the primary diagnosis of pulmonary embolism(PE). Many sites have chosen not to use CE-MRA as a first line of diagnostic tool for PE because of the speed and higher efficacy of computerized tomographic angiography(CTA). In this review, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of CEMRA and the appropriate imaging scenarios for the primary diagnosis of PE derived from our unique multiinstitutional experience in this area. The optimal patient for this test has a low to intermediate suspicion for PE based on clinical decision rules. Patients in extremis are not candidates for this test. Younger women(< 35 years of age) and patients with iodinated contrast allergies are best served by using this modality We discuss the history of the use of this test, recent technical innovations, artifacts, direct and indirect findings for PE, ancillary findings, and the effectiveness(patient outcomes) of CE-MRA for the exclusion of PE. Current outcomes data shows that CE-MRA and NM V/Q scans are effective alternative tests to CTA for the primary diagnosis of PE.

New guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolism:Key changes

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is an important public health problem.In August2019,the European Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society released new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of PE.We discuss the basic changes between these recent guidelines and the previous guidelines that were published in 2014.Regarding diagnosis,the new guidelines propose the use of an age-adjusted cut-off level of D-dimers instead of a fixed cut-off value.A D-dimer test adapted to clinical possibility should also be considered instead of fixed cut-off level of D-dimer.Detailed recommendations for the diagnosis of PE during pregnancy are also provided.Regarding risk stratification,assessment of PE-related early mortality risk is recommended.Moreover,the importance of right ventricular dysfunction is emphasized in lowrisk patients.For further risk stratification of the severity of PE in patients without hemodynamic instability,use of validated scores that combine clinical,imaging and laboratory PE-related prognostic factors might also be considered.Regarding treatment,the possibility of early discharge is mentioned in patients without severe comorbidities,who are not of high risk for sudden death and in whom proper medical management at home and proper medical follow up can be ensured.The new guidelines also suggest that pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels,right ventricular function and the presence of thrombus in the right heart could be useful for guiding the decision of early discharge.Overall,these new guidelines introduce several key changes and knowledge and adherence to them will improve the outcome of patients with PE.

Misdiagnosis of primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery as chronic pulmonary embolism: A case report

BACKGROUND Primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is a rare malignant tumor originating from the pulmonary artery,which has a low incidence rate and is easily misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism.There is no standard protocol for the treatment of primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a patient with primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery who was admitted to our hospital in 2017.The clinical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment and outcome of the patient were retrospectively analyzed.The patient was a Chinese Han male aged 44 years.He had three consecutive episodes of syncope,and was thus admitted to a local hospital.Computed tomography pulmonary angiography showed multiple lesions with abnormal densities in the pulmonary trunk,left pulmonary artery,mediastinum and pericardium,which were consistent with recurrence after tumor resection.He underwent surgery,and was pathologically diagnosed with intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery.He relapsed 3 mo after surgery,and apatinib was administered.His condition was stable after 4 mo,with tolerable and controllable adverse reactions.He subsequently died 19 mo after surgery.CONCLUSION Primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery has no specific clinical or imaging manifestations.The diagnosis of this disease depends on histopathology and immunohistochemistry,and has a poor clinical prognosis.Surgical treatment is currently a favorable option for primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery,and targeted therapy may provide new insights for the development of effective treatment methods.

Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular death. Most often acute PE is associated with under diagnosis, misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis and management leading to high morbidity and mortality. PE outcomes will improve with proper evaluation of clinical symptoms and signs, relevant diagnostic tests, identifying high-risk patients suitable for early re-perfusion with I.V. or catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy or surgical embolectomy and in some cases additional use of mechanical circulatory support. During clinical evaluation modified Geneva score, Well’s score, and Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) scores are useful in assessing PE and its adverse outcomes. Hestia criteria are useful in identifying suitable for outpatient management of PE. Long-term management of PE involves identifying patients prone for recurrence and CTPE with appropriate long-term prophylaxis using oral anticoagulants.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in the Acute Care Setting

Thromboembolic diseases continue to be one of the most prevalent medical problems today and can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism (PE). Currently, PE diagnosis and treatment are a challenge because of acute onset right ventricular strain with right-sided heart failure, sudden death, pulmonary infarction, and cardiogenic shock, which limit the time for therapeutic success.?The aim of this study was to evaluate our perception, knowledge, and concerns regarding PE, discuss the importance of promptly diagnosing PE to provide appropriate treatment options for this life-threatening condition, list the most common clinical manifestations present when PE is suspected, and review the clinical approach to patients with suspected PE in an inpatient setting.?In addition, this study reviews the risk stratification of patients with PE and treatment options beyond anticoagulation, compares new treatment options for patients presenting with acute symptomatic PE, and compares aspiration catheters (10 F Pronto .035” and 14 F XL extraction catheter (Vascular Solutions, Minneapolis, MN)) and ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) versus systemic thrombolysis.This literature review was limited by the quality and number of studies available regarding new treatment options for patients presenting with acute symptomatic PE. Thus, more studies are needed to prove the validity of newer treatment options being trialed, such as aspiration catheters (10 F Pronto .035” and 14 F XL extraction catheter) and USAT, with the hope that further studies will guide patient management and increase our understanding of next generation aspiration catheters, which may provide novel insights on treating acute symptomatic PE.

Delayed diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially life threatening condition. Delays in pulmonary embolism diagnosis represent an important problem. It is crucial to have early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism if one wishes to reduce its complication. We retrospectively reviewed our patients who visited our emergency department with a final diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. We found that delayed diagnosis of pulmonary embolism usually happened when patients did not present with the classical symptoms and signs leading to other medical diagnosis at first. Clinical signs and symptoms for pulmonary embolism are mostly non-specific;therefore, patients suspected of having pulmonary embolism—because of unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath or tachycardia with or without the risk factors for pulmonary embolism—must undergo diagnostic tests including D-dimer or CT pulmonary angiography if indicated until the diagnosis is ruled out.

Diagnosis and treatment of subsegmental pulmonary embolism

Subsegmental pulmonary embolism(SSPE) affects the 4 th division and more distal pulmonary arterial branches. SSPE can be isolated or affect multiple subsegments, be symptomatic or incidental(unsuspected) and may or may not be associated with deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms, clinical risk scores and biomarkers are less sensitive for diagnosing SSPE compared to more central pulmonary embolism. The diagnosis is confirmed using radiological imaging,predominately computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram(CTPA) or ventilation/perfusion scanning. The increasing utilization of CTPAs may have resulted in overdiagnosis driven by smaller pulmonary emboli. There is insufficient evidence of improved mortality or reduced venous thromboembolism recurrence with anticoagulation treatment for SSPE however,the major and clinically significant haemorrhage risks are well described. As the resolution of diagnostic imaging has improved, we may be viewing the natural physiological filtering process performed by the lungs that may not require treatment.

The value of CT pulmonary angiography to the diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction due to acute pulmonary embolism:compared with ultrasonographic cardiography

To analyze the value of CT pulmonary angiography（CTPA） in assessing right ventdcular dysfunction（RVD） after acute pulmonary embolism. Methods：Thirty-six patients with CTPA-confirmed PE who underwent ultrasonic cardiography（UCG） within the ensuing 24 hours were retrospectively reviewed. According to the severity of the disease, the patients were divided into the massive PE group（24 cases） and non-massive PE group（12 cases） respectively. CT scans were analyzed for findings suggestive of RVD. Scans were considered positive for RVD if the right ventricle was dilated（RVd/LVd 〉 1） or if the interventricular septum was straightened or deviated towards the left ventricle. Results were then compared with the results of UCG to estimate the value of CTPA in detecting RVD associated with PE, Results：In all cases, compared with UCG, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CTPA was 84.61%, 78.26%, 3.892, 0.197, 68.75% and 90% respectively. Kappa value was 0.60, which suggested moderate agreement between CTPA and UCG in the whole level. In the massive PE group, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of CTPA was 84.61%, 72.73%, 3.103, 0.212, 78.57% and 80% respectively. Kappa value was 0.58, which suggested moderate agreement between CTPA and UCG in the massive PE group. In the non-massive PE group, the diagnostic specificity of CTPA was 83.33%. By statistics, the value of RVd/LVd had significant difference between the massive PE and the non-massive PE group. Conclusion：CTPA can reliably detect RVD through the evaluation of cardiac morphology. However, this result requires confirmation using a larger prospective cohort study.

Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Management

Current treatment of life threatening venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) has been based on general concepts dating to the early 1900s. In this manuscript a general overview of current diagnostic and therapeutic methods of VTE is presented along with the Emory University Affiliated Hospitals’ experience of the surgical treatment of life threatening VTE. We retrospectively analyzed the data of twenty-seven consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary embolectomy on cardiopulmonary bypass from January 1998 through April 2010. Our results showed successful outcomes after urgent or emergent surgical pulmonary embolectomy. It encourages the choice of an early and aggressive surgical approach for large pulmonary emboli in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Non-selective pulmonary angiography for venous thromboembolism diagnosis, a better choice?

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of non-selective pulmonary angiography for pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Methods: 105 consecutive subjects diagnosed with limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by lower limb phlebography underwent non-selective pulmonary angiography. Results: 52.38% patients were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, 21.9% with inferior vena cava thromboembolism, and 9.52% with pulmonary embolism combined with inferior vena cava thrombosis. Images obtained by non-selective pulmonary angiography had a good correlation with selective pulmonary angiography. Conclusion: The non-selective pulmonary angiography was a simplified, efficient and safe method for pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Large clinical trials are still needed to further evaluate the accuracy and safety of the non-selective method.

Contribution of Diagnosis Examinations in Pulmonary Embolism

Background: We aimed to determine the specificities of pulmonary embolism (PE) investigations and their statistical link according to PE’s degrees of severity. Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study on patient- records admitted in Cardiology Department for PE, from June 1st 2014 to April 30th 2019. We studied electrocardiogram (ECG), Chest X-ray, Echocardiographic, D-dimers, CT pulmonary angiographic (CTPA) data. PE diagnosis was retained at the CTPA. PE was classified according to its severity (low, intermediate, and severe). Patients were arbitrarily categorized in 4 groups (G1 - G4) according to D-dimer level. Results: We retained 110 patient- records of patients mean aged 56 ± 15 years, with female predominance (Sex-ratio F/M = 1.82). Patients with main pulmonary artery’s (MPA) embolism had D-dimer value > 5000 ng/mL. The more proximal embolism was located, the higher D-dimer level was, but no significant association was found between D-dimer level and PE’s severity. CTPA showed bilateral location of embolism in 52% of cases. Severe PE (SPE) was significantly associated to proximal location (main and segmental branches of PA), and repolarization disorders. S1Q3 aspect was associated to intermediate mortality risk PE. On chest X-ray, cardiomegaly and the left middle arch convexity were associated to SPE. PAH was significantly associated to SPE. Conclusion: PE, serious disease has the diagnostic challenge according to its clinical presentations. Several findings of PE investigations should be useful for SPE assessment in our areas, especially since CTPA is not often accessible, even in urban cities.

Role of Ischemia Modified Albumin in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a common and potentially lethal condition. Clinical signs and symptoms for pulmonary embolism are nonspecific. New and simple tests are therefore needed in order to help in early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The aim of this work is to elucidate the role of IMA in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Subjects and Methods: 75 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism and 20 control healthy subjects were included in this study. Measurement of IMA was done in all subjects. Results: The mean values of IMA were statistically significantly higher among the PE patient group (0.43 ± 0.104 ABSU) in comparison with non PE patient group (0.27 ± 0.053 ABSU) and healthy control subjects (0.21 ± 0.080 ABSU). At cut-off value of 0.305 ABSU, IMA had 97.5% sensitivity and 71.42% specificity. The area under the curve was 0.952. The positive predictive value of this cut-off value was 79.59% while the negative predictive value was 96.15%. Conclusions: IMA is a good alternative to D-dimer in the diagnosis and exclusion of PE. Larger studies are needed to augment our results.

The Clinical Value of NLR, D-D and CRP/ALB Ratio in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Objective: To evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer (D-D) in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing hematology and coagulation in 362 PTCA-confirmed PTE patients with the control group and analyzing their relationships with CAR, NLR, and D-D. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the diagnostic threshold, area under the curve (AUC), diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CAR, NLR and D-D for PTE. Results: 1) CAR, NLR and D-D levels in PTE patients were 2.13 ± 2.08, 8.96 ± 1.94 and 9.69 ± 8.61 respectively, significantly higher than those in control group (CAR = 0.03 ± 0.01, t = 20.7736, P < 0.01;NLR = 1.76 ± 0.53, t = 2.4281, P < 0.05 and PTE = 0.20 ± 0.11, t = 3.0066, P < 0.01 respectively). 2) NLR was positively correlated with CAR (r = 0.2111, t = 4.0971, P < 0.01) and D-D (r = 0.1065, t = 2.0481, P < 0.05), but CAR was not correlated with D-D (r = 0.0975, P > 0.05). 3) The levels of HB, LY, PLT and AT in PTE patients were significantly lower than those in control group, while WBC, NE and FB were significantly higher than those in control group. 4) CAR was negatively correlated with Hb and AT (P all < 0.01), but positively correlated with WBC, NE, MO and FB (P all < 0.01). NLR was negatively correlated with LY and AT (P all < 0.01), but positively correlated with WBC, NE and FB (P all < 0.01). DD was negatively correlated with Hb and PLT (P all < 0.05), but positively correlated with WBC, NE and MO (P all < 0.01). Conclusion: The levels of Hb, LY, PLT and AT were significantly decreased in PTE patients, while WBC, NE and FB were significantly increased. CAR, NLR and D-D were highly expressed in PTE patients, and were closely correlated with Hb, AT and FB. Combined detection of CAR, NLR and D-D can improve the diagnostic value of PTE.

Significance of D-dimer assay in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism after deep second-degree burn in rabbits

Objective: To explore the significance of D-dimer assay in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) after deep second-degree burn by detecting the changes of plasma D-dimer in rabbits with deep second-degree burn and in different phases of burn with concomitant pulmonary embolism. Methods: 48 healthy male or female Chinese white rabbits, were randomly divided into: control group, burn group, burn shock group, burn shock + pulmonary embolism group, burn infection group and burn infection + pulmonary embolism group, with 8 rabbits in each group. By use of the ELISA method, the plasma D-dimer was determined on 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d, 14 d and 21 d after modeling in the burn group and the control group, and the plasma D-dimer in other groups was detected in 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 24 h after modeling. Results: The expression of D-dimer in the burn group was higher than that in the control group on 1 d, 3 d, 5 d and 7 d (p < .05). There were significant differences in the expression of D-dimer in the burn shock + pulmonary embolism group in comparison to the burn shock group (p < .05). There were also some significant differences in the expression of D-dimer in the burn infection+ pulmonary embolism group in comparison with the burn shock + pulmonary embolism group (p < .05). Conclusions: There were some differences in the expression of D-dimer in each group. D-dimer can be used as one of diagnostic indexes for deep second-degree burn with pulmonary embolism.

Early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism after total joint replacement: report of five cases

Objective To study the early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) after total joint replacement (TJR). Methods From April 1987 to December 2001, we performed 1 336 total knee replacements (TKR) in 926 patients and 1 745 total hip replacements (RHRs) in 1 566 patients. In this group there were 5 PE patients after operation. Two patients died (all after TKR), and 3 patients salvaged successfully (2 after TKR, 1 after THR). Results The total incidence of PE after TJR was 0. 2% (5/2 492), the incidence of PE after TKR was 0. 4% (4/926), and the incidence of PE after THR was 0.06% (1/1 556). In the patients who suffered PE, 2 died. The incidence of PE before 2000 was 0%. Conclusion Death after total joint replacement is due to pulmonary embolism ( PE), especially massive PE. The incidence of PE after TKR is higher than that after THR. Pulmonary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of PE. With more understanding on PE and more popularity of joint replacement, the diagnosis of PE

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome complicated with pulmonary embolism:A case report

BACKGROUND Cronkhite-Canada syndrome(CCS)is a rare disease,that causes gastrointestinal polyps,ectodermal abnormalities,and gastrointestinal symptoms.CCS is prone to thromboembolism,but clinical workers have not yet established a clinical consciousness of preventing thromboembolism.The present case illustrates pulmonary embolism(PE)complicated by CCS.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old male patient presented with mucus,purulent,and bloody stool.Ectodermal changes included skin pigmentation,alopecia,and nail dystrophy.Colonoscopy revealed the presence of multiple polyps.After a comprehensive evaluation,the patient was diagnosed with CCS.During the disease,he was also diagnosed with pulmonary embolism,Riehl's melanosis,and intestinal flora imbalance.After symptomatic treatment with omeprazole,mesalazine,rivaroxaban,nutritional support,and regulation of intestinal flora,the patient’s symptoms were significantly relieved.CONCLUSION CCS complicated with PE was reported for the first time in China in this study.Despite the fact that CCS is extremely rare,patients with CCS should be classified as a high-risk venous thromboembolism(VTE)population,and emphasis should be placed on venous thromboembolism risk assessment and stratification,deep venous thromboembolism screening,prevention of VTE,and careful long-term follow-up.

The Value of MLPR,NLR,and RDW in the Assessment of Combined Pulmonary Embolism in Elderly Patients with AECOPD

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of the monocyte-to-large-platelet ratio(MLPR),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),and red blood cell distribution width(RDW)for pulmonary embolism(PE)in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Methods:A total of 60 elderly AECOPD patients were enrolled and divided into embolus group(12 cases)and thrombus group(48 cases)according to whether they were combined with pulmonary embolism and the MLPR,NLR,and RDW values of the two groups were determined respectively.Results:The patients in the two groups had different degrees of vascular structural and functional abnormalities,and the MLPR,NLR,and RDW in the embolus group were significantly higher than those in the thrombus group(P<0.05);while the differences in NLR and RDW between the two groups were not significant.Conclusion:MLPR,NLR,and RDW can provide an objective basis for assessing PE in elderly AECOPD patients.

Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis caused by nitrous oxide abuse: A case report

BACKGROUND Nitrous oxide(N2O)has gained increasing popularity as a recreational drug,causing hallucinations,excitation,and psychological dependence.However,side effects have been reported in recent years.Our case report proposes a correlation among N2O,pulmonary embolism(PE),and deep vein thrombosis(DVT)and emphasizes the role of homocysteine(Hcy)in thrombotic events.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old man with long-term N2O abuse sought evaluation after acute chest pain.A diagnostic workup revealed PE,DVT,and hyperhomocysteinemia.The patient was successfully treated with thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy.Moreover,his Hcy level decreased and returned to normal after Hcy-lowering therapy.CONCLUSION Chronic N2O abuse might increase the risk of PE and DVT,although there have been few studies previously.