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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2015Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are abnormal direct connections between the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein which result in a right-to-left shunt. They are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are abnormal direct connections between the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein which result in a right-to-left shunt. They are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality mainly from the effects of paradoxical emboli. Potential complications include stroke, cerebral abscess, pulmonary haemorrhage and hypoxaemia. Embolisation is an endovascular intervention based on the occlusion of the feeding arteries the pulmonary arteriovenous malformations thus eliminating the abnormal right-to-left-shunting.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of embolisation in patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations including a comparison with surgical resection and different embolisation devices.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Trials Register; date of last search: 31 March 2014.We also searched the following databases: the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ClinicalTrials.gov; International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register; International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (last searched 1 July 2014).We checked cross-references and searched references from review articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Trials in which individuals with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations were randomly allocated to embolisation compared to no treatment, surgical resection or embolisation using a different embolisation device.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Studies identified for potential inclusion were independently assessed for eligibility by two authors, with excluded studies further checked by a third author. No trials were identified for inclusion in the review and hence no analysis was performed.
MAIN RESULTS
There were no randomised controlled trials included in the review; one ongoing trial has been identified which may be eligible for inclusion in the future.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials for embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. However, randomised controlled trials are not always feasible on ethical grounds. Accumulated data from observational studies suggest that embolisation reduces morbidity. A standardised approach to reporting with long-term follow-up through registry studies can help to strengthen the evidence for embolisation in the absence of randomised controlled trials.
Topics: Arteriovenous Malformations; Embolization, Therapeutic; Humans; Pulmonary Artery; Pulmonary Veins
PubMed: 25634560
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008017.pub4 -
EClinicalMedicine May 2023Isolated pulmonary embolism (PE) appears to be associated with a specific clinical profile and sequelae compared to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)-associated PE. The...
BACKGROUND
Isolated pulmonary embolism (PE) appears to be associated with a specific clinical profile and sequelae compared to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)-associated PE. The objective of this study was to identify clinical characteristics that discriminate both phenotypes, and to characterize their differences in clinical outcome.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing PE phenotypes. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed and CENTRAL was conducted, from inception until January 27, 2023. Exclusion criteria were irrelevant content, inability to retrieve the article, language other than English or German, the article comprising a review or case study/series, and inappropriate study design. Data on risk factors, clinical characteristics and clinical endpoints were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.
FINDINGS
Fifty studies with 435,768 PE patients were included. In low risk of bias studies, 30% [95% CI 19-42%, = 97%] of PE were isolated. The Factor V Leiden [OR: 0.47, 95% CI 0.37-0.58, = 0%] and prothrombin G20210A mutations [OR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.75, = 0%] were significantly less prevalent among patients with isolated PE. Female sex [OR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.17-1.45, = 79%], recent invasive surgery [OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.23-1.41, = 65%], a history of myocardial infarction [OR: 2.07, 95% CI 1.85-2.32, = 0%], left-sided heart failure [OR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.37-2.10, = 76%], peripheral artery disease [OR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.31-1.42, = 0%] and diabetes mellitus [OR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.21-1.25, = 0%] were significantly more frequently represented among isolated PE patients. In a synthesis of clinical outcome data, the risk of recurrent VTE in isolated PE was half that of DVT-associated PE [RR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.44-0.69, = 0%], while the risk of arterial thrombosis was nearly 3-fold higher [RR: 2.93, 95% CI 1.43-6.02, = 0%].
INTERPRETATION
Our findings suggest that isolated PE appears to be a specific entity that may signal a long-term risk of arterial thrombosis. Randomised controlled trials are necessary to establish whether alternative treatment regimens are beneficial for this patient subgroup.
FUNDING
None.
PubMed: 37152363
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101973 -
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) Oct 2022This study aimed to establish the most accurate and up-to-date anatomical knowledge of pulmonary veins (PV), ostia variations, diameters and ostial area, to provide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to establish the most accurate and up-to-date anatomical knowledge of pulmonary veins (PV), ostia variations, diameters and ostial area, to provide physicians, especially heart and thoracic surgeons with exact knowledge concerning this area. The main online medical databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, were searched to gather all studies in which the variations, maximal diameter, and ostial area of the PVs were investigated. During the study, the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Additionally, the critical appraisal tool for anatomical meta-analysis (CATAM) was used to provide the highest quality findings. The most common ostia variation is the classical one, which contains the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV), right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) and right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV). The mean diameter and ostial area of each pulmonary vein were established in the general population and in multiple variations considering the method of collecting the data and geographical location. Significant variability in PV ostia is observed. Left-sided PVs have smaller ostia than the corresponding right-sided PVs, and the inferior PVs ostia are smaller than the superior. The LCPV ostium size is the largest among all veins analyzed, while the RMPV ostium is the smallest. The results of this meta-analysis are hoped to help clinicians in planning and performing procedures that involve the pulmonary and cardiac areas, especially catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Heart Atria; Humans; Pulmonary Veins
PubMed: 35460116
DOI: 10.1002/ca.23896 -
Disaster Medicine and Public Health... Feb 2023Among natural disasters, earthquake is associated with heavy fatalities and financial damages, causing considerable mortality. The complications resulting from getting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Among natural disasters, earthquake is associated with heavy fatalities and financial damages, causing considerable mortality. The complications resulting from getting trapped in rubble, secondary traumas, obligation to reside in temporary shelters, along with other factors such as limited mobility, stress, and dehydration, predispose earthquake survivors to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The aim of the present study is to investigate the rate of DVT after an earthquake using a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
To perform the present study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used. The protocol of this review study has been registered in the International Perspective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with the code of CRD42021290375. Credible data resources including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Magiran, SID, and Embase were used for extracting relevant studies. Random effect model was used to perform the meta-analysis. I was ritualized to investigate heterogeneity across the studies. Publication bias of studies was evaluated using the Begg test.
RESULTS
In this study, 267 primary studies were identified and extracted. After removing the duplicate ones and the screening, eventually 1 final studies were chosen for the meta-analysis. Based on the meta-analysis results, the total rate of DVT was 9.07% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.32-10.81; I = 97.9%; = 0<0.001). Analysis of DVT in the subgroups of the general population and patient survivors were 11.43% (95% CI: 9.06-13.79; I = 98%; = 0<0.001) and 2.51% (95% CI: 0.04-4.63; I = 77.7%; = 0.001). Also, based on the Begg test, the publication bias in the chosen studies was not considerable.
CONCLUSIONS
DVT rate in earthquake survivors is higher compared with other disasters, and over time it finds a growing trend. After earthquake, the focus of rescue and health-care teams is on individuals with observable injuries and damages. Because DVT is first asymptomatic but has fatal consequences, including pulmonary embolism and sudden death, it should be incorporated in health's status assessment of earthquake-stricken people as well as screening and diagnostic programs of health-care providers.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thrombosis; Earthquakes; Pulmonary Embolism; Disasters
PubMed: 36785532
DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.268 -
Asian Journal of Andrology Oct 2023To evaluate the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and arterial and/or venous thrombosis in patients with pre-treatment total testosterone (TT)...
To evaluate the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and arterial and/or venous thrombosis in patients with pre-treatment total testosterone (TT) <12 nmol l-1, we performed a meta-analysis following the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome model. Population: men with TT <12 nmol l-1 or clear mention of hypogonadism in the inclusion criteria of patients; intervention: TRT; comparison: placebo or no therapy; outcomes: arterial thrombotic events (stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], upper limbs, and lower limbs), VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], portal vein thrombosis, splenic thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), and mortality. A total of 2423 abstracts were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-four studies, including 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were finally included, with a total of 4027 and 310 288 hypotestosteronemic male patients, from RCTs and from observational studies, respectively. Based on RCT-derived data, TRT did not influence the risk of arterial thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-3.43, P = 0.64), stroke (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.09-18.97, P = 0.83), MI (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11-2.31, P = 0.39), VTE (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.22-9.03, P = 0.71), pulmonary embolism (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.27-7.04, P = 0.70), and mortality (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.20-2.38, P = 0.56). Meanwhile, when only observational studies are considered, a significant reduction in the risk of developing arterial thrombotic events, MI, venous thromboembolism, and mortality was observed. The risk for DVT remains uncertain, due to the paucity of RCT-based data. TRT in men with TT <12 nmol l-1 is safe from the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Further studies specifically assessing the risk of DVT in men on TRT are needed.
PubMed: 37921515
DOI: 10.4103/aja202352 -
Asian Journal of Psychiatry Jul 2022Since the 1950 s, several studies have reported that patients using first generation and/or second-generation antipsychotics had increased risk of venous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Since the 1950 s, several studies have reported that patients using first generation and/or second-generation antipsychotics had increased risk of venous thromboembolism events. These events include deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). However, data about fatal PE in patients on antipsychotics (APs) remain scarce. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological characteristics related to psychiatric patients on APs and who died from a fatal PE. We reported a case-series, then conducted a literature review of relevant studies and performed a meta-analysis of studies with usable data. The main outcome of the study suggested a significantly high risk of fatal PE in patients using APs compared to nonusers (Odds Ratio=6.68, with 95% confidence interval 1.43-31.11). Clozapine was the most incriminated drug. Low potency first generation APs were the second most exhibited medication. Studies about the topic remain scarce with a high heterogeneity and a high probability of bias. Further studies are needed to ascertain this risk and to establish target preventive measures in this particularly vulnerable population.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Clozapine; Humans; Odds Ratio; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Factors; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 35452966
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103105 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis Oct 2023A number of studies have suggested that multiple sclerosis (MS) can be associated with serious vascular complications, for which pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A number of studies have suggested that multiple sclerosis (MS) can be associated with serious vascular complications, for which pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a potentially lethal complication. The purpose of this study is to establish a current literature-based estimate of the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and PTE in patients with MS (pwMS) due to the lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies were assessed regarding the association between MS and the incidence of VTE. The studies were identified through a systematic search of major electronic databases spanning the period from 1950 to February 2022. A random-effects analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled effect size (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using STATA software. Nine out of 4605 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with an overall sample size of 158,546 individuals. Meta-analysis revealed that the pooled incidence of VTE was 1.8% (95% CI 1.4-2.3) among pwMS. Also, there was an incidence of 0.9% (95% CI 0.4-1.4) and 1.5% (95% CI 1-2.2) for PTE and DVT, respectively in pwMS. Analysis showed MS would be significantly associated with a twofold increased risk of VTE [risk ratios (RR) = 2.12 (95% CI 1.53-2.93)]. Although MS is not typically considered a major risk factor for VTE, the meta-analysis of cohort studies shows that MS has a relative association with an increased incidence of VTE. Future research should focus on the investigation of the effects of MS and its treatments on VTE risk, and also a full range of confounding adjustments will be needed.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Venous Thrombosis; Incidence; Multiple Sclerosis; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37394561
DOI: 10.1007/s11239-023-02848-0 -
The Lancet. Haematology Feb 2017Statins have been suggested to have a protective effect on venous thromboembolism (which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), but the evidence is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Statins have been suggested to have a protective effect on venous thromboembolism (which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), but the evidence is uncertain. We sought to evaluate the extent to which statins are associated with first venous thromboembolism events.
METHODS
We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Relevant studies that reported associations between statins and first venous thromboembolism outcomes were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and a manual search of bibliographies for studies published up until July 18, 2016, and from email correspondence with investigators. Observational cohorts that assessed the association of statin use with venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism in adults were included, as were intervention studies that assessed the effects of statin therapy compared with a placebo or no treatment and collected data on venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism outcomes. Studies that compared statins with another statin or lipid-lowering agent were excluded. Study specific relative risks (RRs) were aggregated using random-effects models and were grouped by study-level characteristics. The review has been registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016035622.
FINDINGS
36 eligible studies (13 cohort studies comprising 3 148 259 participants and 23 RCTs of statins vs placebo or no treatment comprising 118 464 participants) were included. In observational studies, the pooled RR for venous thromboembolism was 0·75 (95% CI 0·65-0·87; p<0·0001) when statin use was compared with no statin use. This association remained consistent when grouped by various study-level characteristics. In RCTs, the RR for venous thromboembolism was 0·85 (0·73-0·99; p=0·038) when statin therapy was compared with placebo or no treatment. Subgroup analyses suggested significant differences in the effect of statins by type of statin, with rosuvastatin having the lowest risk on venous thromboembolism compared with other statins 0·57 (0·42-0·75; p=0·015). There was no evidence of an effect of statin use on pulmonary embolism. Statin use was associated with a significant reduction in risk of the specific endpoint of deep vein thrombosis compared with no statin use (RR 0·77, 95% CI 0·69-0·86; p<0·0001).
INTERPRETATION
Available evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest a beneficial effect of statin use on venous thromboembolism. In intervention studies, therapy with rosuvastatin significantly reduced venous thromboembolism compared with other statins. Further evidence is however needed to validate these findings.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Primary Prevention; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 28089655
DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(16)30184-3 -
Thrombotic and Thromboembolic Complications After Vaccination Against COVID-19: A Systematic Review.Cureus Apr 2023Thromboembolic complications after the COVID-19 vaccination have been reported from all over the world. We aimed to identify the thrombotic and thromboembolic... (Review)
Review
Thromboembolic complications after the COVID-19 vaccination have been reported from all over the world. We aimed to identify the thrombotic and thromboembolic complications that can arise after receiving various types of COVID-19 vaccines, their frequency, and distinguishing characteristics. Articles published in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the CDC database, the WHO database, ClinicalTrials.gov, and servers like medRxiv.org and bioRxiv.org, as well as the websites of several reporting authorities between December 1, 2019, and July 29, 2021, were searched. Studies were included if they reported any thromboembolic complications post-COVID-19 vaccination and excluded editorials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, and commentaries. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and conducted the quality assessment. Thromboembolic events and associated hemorrhagic complications after various types of COVID-19 vaccines, their frequency, and distinguishing characteristics were assessed. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID-CRD42021257862). There were 59 articles, enrolling 202 patients. We also studied data from two nationwide registries and surveillance. The mean age of presentation was 47 ± 15.5 (mean ± SD) years, and 71.1% of the reported cases were females. The majority of events were with the AstraZeneca vaccine and with the first dose. Of these, 74.8% were venous thromboembolic events, 12.7% were arterial thromboembolic events, and the rest were hemorrhagic complications. The most common reported event was cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (65.8%), followed by pulmonary embolism, splanchnic vein thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The majority had thrombocytopenia, high D-dimer, and anti-PF4 antibodies. The case fatality rate was 26.5%. In our study, 26/59 of the papers were of fair quality. The data from two nationwide registries and surveillance revealed 6347 venous and arterial thromboembolic events post-COVID-19 vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccinations have been linked to thrombotic and thromboembolic complications. However, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Clinicians should be aware of these complications because they may be fatal and because prompt identification and treatment can prevent fatalities.
PubMed: 37182082
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37275 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jul 2020Whereas the internal jugular vein is the most common site of thrombosis in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the upper extremity, the association between...
OBJECTIVE
Whereas the internal jugular vein is the most common site of thrombosis in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the upper extremity, the association between internal jugular vein thrombus and pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been clearly characterized. The objective of this paper was to determine the risk of embolization of an isolated internal jugular vein thrombus causing a clinically overt PE, with the secondary objective of assessing the value of therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with isolated internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) in improving clinical outcomes.
METHODS
The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for articles. The relevant articles included were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they specifically examined incidence of IJVT and incidence of PE and were excluded if they did not report on these rates specifically or failed to specify the exact site of upper extremity DVT.
RESULTS
Of the 274 articles screened, 25 were selected for full review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses inclusion criteria. Seven of those provided adequate data and were included in the review. There were only two studies demonstrating IJVT before PE that could probably establish causality, but this might be confounded by the presence of concomitant upper extremity DVT in one of the cases and radiologic findings compatible with resolving PE in another that might have preceded the presence of internal jugular vein thrombus. In the patients who were found to have PE in the setting of IJVT, the overall observed mortality attributed to PE was low. In specific studies, the use of anticoagulation did not reduce the mortality in those with isolated IJVT or affect the rate of thrombus resolution while carrying the risk of bleeding complications in these patients, who often have severe comorbidities.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the proximity of the jugular vein to the right side of the heart and the pulmonary vasculature, there is little proof of propagation of the thrombus to cause a clinically overt PE. Whereas current practice is to treat the patients with IJVT in the same way as patients with lower extremity DVTs are treated, the lack of any survival benefit in those with isolated IJVT and the risk of bleeding complications warrant further studies to characterize the need of medical management in this population of patients.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Hemorrhage; Humans; Incidence; Jugular Veins; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 32321692
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.03.003