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Thrombosis Research Jun 2021Pulmonary infarction results from occlusion of the distal pulmonary arteries leading to ischemia, hemorrhage and ultimately necrosis of the lung parenchyma. It is most... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary infarction results from occlusion of the distal pulmonary arteries leading to ischemia, hemorrhage and ultimately necrosis of the lung parenchyma. It is most commonly caused by acute pulmonary embolism (PE), with a reported incidence of around 30%. Following an occlusion of the pulmonary artery, the bronchial arteries are recruited as primary source of perfusion of the pulmonary capillaries. The relatively higher blood pressure in the bronchial circulation causes an increase in the capillary blood flow, leading to extravasation of erythrocytes (i.e. alveolar hemorrhage). If this hemorrhage cannot be resorbed, it results in tissue necrosis and infarction. Different definitions of pulmonary infarction are used in literature (clinical, radiological and histological), although the diagnosis is nowadays mostly based on radiological characteristics. Notably, the infarcted area is only replaced by a fibrotic scar over a period of months. Hence and formally, the diagnosis of pulmonary infarction cannot be confirmed upon diagnosis of acute PE. Little is known of the impact and relevance of pulmonary infarction in acute PE, and whether specific management strategies should be applied to prevent and/or treat complications such as pain, pneumonia or post-PE syndrome. In this review we will summarize current knowledge on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary infarction in the setting of acute PE. We highlight the need for dedicated studies to overcome the current knowledge gaps.
Topics: Acute Disease; Humans; Lung; Pulmonary Artery; Pulmonary Embolism; Pulmonary Infarction
PubMed: 33862471
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.03.022 -
Vascular Health and Risk Management 2021The causes and mechanisms of increased cardiac troponin T and I (cTnT and cTnI) concentrations are numerous and are not limited to acute myocardial infarction (AMI)... (Review)
Review
The Main Causes and Mechanisms of Increase in Cardiac Troponin Concentrations Other Than Acute Myocardial Infarction (Part 1): Physical Exertion, Inflammatory Heart Disease, Pulmonary Embolism, Renal Failure, Sepsis.
The causes and mechanisms of increased cardiac troponin T and I (cTnT and cTnI) concentrations are numerous and are not limited to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (ischemic necrosis of cardiac myocytes). Any type of reversible or irreversible cardiomyocyte injury can result in elevated serum cTnT and cTnI levels. Researchers and practitioners involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including AMI, should know the key causes and mechanisms of elevated serum cTnT and cTnI levels. This will allow to reduce or completely avoid diagnostic errors and help to choose the most correct tactics for further patient management. The purpose of this article is to discuss the main causes and mechanisms of increase in cardiac troponins concentrations in frequently occurring physiological (physical exertion, psycho-emotional stress) and pathological conditions (inflammatory heart disease, pulmonary embolism, chronic renal failure and sepsis (systemic inflammatory response)) not related to myocardial infarction.
Topics: Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Physical Exertion; Pulmonary Embolism; Pulmonary Heart Disease; Renal Insufficiency; Sepsis; Troponin; Troponin I; Troponin T
PubMed: 34584417
DOI: 10.2147/VHRM.S327661 -
JAMA Jan 2022This population-based study evaluates the short-term risk of severe cardiovascular events among French residents aged 75 years or older after receipt of the BNT162b2...
This population-based study evaluates the short-term risk of severe cardiovascular events among French residents aged 75 years or older after receipt of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; BNT162 Vaccine; COVID-19; Databases, Factual; France; Humans; Incidence; Myocardial Infarction; Pulmonary Embolism; Risk; Stroke
PubMed: 34807248
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.21699 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Aug 2022Pulmonary infarction (PI) is a possible consequence of pulmonary embolism (PE). The real incidence of PI could be underestimated considering only non-fatal PE... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary infarction (PI) is a possible consequence of pulmonary embolism (PE). The real incidence of PI could be underestimated considering only non-fatal PE presentation. However, following postmortem examination, the prevalence of PI is considerably higher. This evidence suggests the necessity of proper diagnostic protocol for identifying PI. Unfortunately, PI diagnosis can sometimes be challenging, due to the overlapping of symptoms with other diseases. Nowadays, the diagnosis is mainly based on radiological evaluation, although the combination with emerging imaging techniques such as ultrasound and nuclear scanning might improve the diagnostic algorithm for PI. This review aims to summarize the available data on the prevalence of PI, the main predisposing factors for the development of PI among patients with PE, to resume the possible diagnostic tools, and finally the clinical and prognostic implications.
PubMed: 36013155
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164916 -
Thrombosis Research Jun 2023Pulmonary infarction (PI) is relatively common in pulmonary embolism (PE). The association between PI and persistent symptoms or adverse events is largely unknown.
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary infarction (PI) is relatively common in pulmonary embolism (PE). The association between PI and persistent symptoms or adverse events is largely unknown.
AIM
To evaluate the predictive value of radiological PI signs at acute PE diagnosis on 3-month outcomes.
METHODS
We studied a convenience cohort with computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)-confirmed PE for whom extensive 3-month follow-up data were available. The CTPAs were re-evaluated for signs of suspected PI. Associations with presenting symptoms, adverse events (recurrent thrombosis, PE-related readmission and mortality) and self-reported persistent symptoms (dyspnea, pain and post-PE functional impairment) at 3-month follow-up were investigated using univariate Cox regression analysis.
RESULTS
At re-evaluation of the CTPAs, 57 of 99 patients (58 %) had suspected PI, comprising a median of 1 % (IQR 1-3) of total lung parenchyma. Patients with suspected PI more often presented with hemoptysis (11 % vs. 0 %) and pleural pain (OR 2.7, 95%CI 1.2-6.2), and with more proximal PE on CTPA (OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.4) than patients without suspected PI. There was no association with adverse events, persistent dyspnea or pain at 3-month follow-up, but signs of PI predicted more functional impairment (OR 3.03, 95%CI 1.01-9.13). Sensitivity analysis with the largest infarctions (upper tertile of infarction volume) yielded similar results.
CONCLUSIONS
PE patients radiologically suspected of PI had a different clinical presentation than patients without those signs and reported more functional limitations after 3 months of follow-up, a finding that could guide patient counselling.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Infarction; Computed Tomography Angiography; Pulmonary Embolism; Pulmonary Artery; Dyspnea
PubMed: 37121011
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.04.005 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jun 2020COPD is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, in particular acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Besides shared risk factors, COPD-related factors, such as... (Review)
Review
COPD is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, in particular acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Besides shared risk factors, COPD-related factors, such as systemic inflammation and hypoxia, underlie the pathophysiological interaction between COPD and AMI. The prevalence of COPD amongst AMI populations ranges from 7% to 30%, which is possibly even an underestimation due to underdiagnoses of COPD in general. Following the acute event, patients with COPD have an increased risk of mortality, heart failure and arrhythmias during follow-up. Adequate risk stratification can be performed using various imaging techniques, evaluating cardiac size and function after AMI. Conventional imaging techniques such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have already indicated impaired cardiac function in patients with COPD without known cardiovascular disease. Advanced imaging techniques such as speckle-tracking echocardiography and T1 mapping could provide more insight into cardiac structure and function after AMI and have proven to be of prognostic value. Future research is required to better understand the impact of AMI on patients with COPD in order to provide effective secondary prevention. The present article summarises the current knowledge on the pathophysiologic factors involved in the interaction between COPD and AMI, the prevalence and outcomes of AMI in patients with COPD and the role of imaging in the acute phase and risk stratification after AMI in patients with COPD.
Topics: Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Prognosis; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Secondary Prevention
PubMed: 32581139
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0139-2019 -
Cureus Jan 2017The pulmonary veins (PVs) are the most proximal source of arterial thromboembolism. Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but potentially lethal disease; its... (Review)
Review
The pulmonary veins (PVs) are the most proximal source of arterial thromboembolism. Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but potentially lethal disease; its incidence is unclear, as most of the literature includes case reports. It most commonly occurs as a complica-tion of malignancy, post lung surgery, or atrial fibrillation and can be idiopathic in some cases. Most patients with PVT are commonly asymptomatic or have nonspecific symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea from pulmonary edema or infarction. The thrombi are typically detected using a variety of imaging modalities including transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or pulmonary angiog-raphy. Treatment should be determined by the obstructing pathological finding and can include antibiotic therapy, anticoagulation, thrombectomy, and/or pulmonary resection. The delay in diagnosing this medical entity can lead to complications including pulmonary infarction, pulmonary edema, right ventricular failure, allograft failure, and peripheral embolism resulting in limb ischemia, stroke, and renal infarction (RI).
PubMed: 28265529
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.993 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Mar 2022In acute pulmonary embolism (PE), circulatory failure and systemic hypotension are important clinically for predicting poor prognosis. While pulmonary artery (PA) clot... (Review)
Review
In acute pulmonary embolism (PE), circulatory failure and systemic hypotension are important clinically for predicting poor prognosis. While pulmonary artery (PA) clot loads can be an indicator of the severity of current episode of PE or treatment effectiveness, they may not be used directly as an indicator of right ventricular (RV) failure or patient death. In other words, pulmonary vascular resistance or patient prognosis may not be determined only with mechanical obstruction of PAs and their branches by intravascular clot loads on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), but determined also with vasoactive amines, reflex PA vasoconstriction, and systemic arterial hypoxemia occurring during acute PE. Large RV diameter with RV/left ventricle (LV) ratio > 1.0 and/or the presence of occlusive clot and pulmonary infarction on initial CTPA, and clinically determined high baseline PA pressure and RV dysfunction are independent predictors of oncoming chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). In this pictorial review, authors aimed to demonstrate clinical and serial CTPA features in patients with acute massive and submassive PE and to disclose acute CTPA and clinical features that are related to the prediction of oncoming CTEPH.
Topics: Angiography; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Pulmonary Artery; Pulmonary Embolism; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35289137
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e76 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Apr 2023
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Immunization, Secondary; Myocardial Infarction; Pulmonary Embolism; Stroke; Vaccines, Combined
PubMed: 36988584
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2302134