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Sirbu O, Sorodoc V, Floria M, Statescu C, Sascau R, Lionte C, Petris OR, Haliga RE, Morariu PC, Tirnoveanu A, Burduloi VM, Ursulescu C, Sorodoc L. Nontrombotic Pulmonary Embolism: Different Etiology, Same Significant Consequences. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020202. [PMID: 36836436 PMCID: PMC9963227 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nontrombotic pulmonary embolism represents the embolization of different types of materials (cells, organisms, gas, foreign material) into pulmonary circulation. The disease is uncommon, and clinical presentation together with laboratory findings are nonspecific. Its pathology is usually misdiagnosed based on imaging findings as pulmonary thromboembolism, but the correct diagnosis is essential because different therapeutic approaches are required. In this context, knowledge of the risk factors associated with nontrombotic pulmonary embolism and specific clinical symptoms is fundamental. Our objective was to discuss the specific features of the most common etiologies of nontrombotic pulmonary embolism, gas, fat, amniotic fluid, sepsis and tumors, to provide assistance for a rapid and correct diagnosis. Because the most common etiologies are iatrogenic, knowledge of the risk factors could be an important tool for prevention or rapid treatment if the disease develops during different procedures. The diagnosis of nontrombotic pulmonary embolisms represent a laborious challenge, and endeavors should be made to prevent development and increase awareness of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Sirbu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Victorita Sorodoc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Mariana Floria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Statescu
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases “Dr. George I.M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Radu Sascau
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases “Dr. George I.M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Catalina Lionte
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Rusalim Petris
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Raluca Ecaterina Haliga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Paula Cristina Morariu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andreea Tirnoveanu
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Vladut Mirel Burduloi
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Corina Ursulescu
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laurentiu Sorodoc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital “Sfântul Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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Abstract
The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is often made more challenging by the presence of diseases that can mimic thromboembolic disease. There is no specific or sensitive constellation of clinical signs or symptoms that can be used to diagnose PE. Ventilation/perfusion scans can have false-positive findings related to mediastinal conditions that can compress the pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary hemorrhage can resemble PE on V/Q scanning with potentially devastating consequences if anticoagulation is started. CT-scan related issues l eading to potential false-positive diagnoses range from inadequate imaging technique, to systemic-pulmonary shunting, to non-thrombotic occlusion of pulmonary arteries by tumor, septic emboli, and emboli of fat, air, and foreign material, as well as vasculitic processes. Careful assessment of the patient and consideration of these potential mimickers is imperative to correct diagnosis of this potentially life-threatening condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Matusov
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center - Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Victor F Tapson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center - Venous Thromboembolism and Pulmonary Vascular Disease Research Program, Los Angeles, California, United States
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Modares M, Hanneman K, Ouzounian M, Chung J, Nguyen ET. Computed Tomography Angiography Assessment of Acute Aortic Syndromes: Classification, Differentiating Imaging Features, and Imaging Interpretation Pitfalls. Can Assoc Radiol J 2021; 73:228-239. [PMID: 33874779 DOI: 10.1177/08465371211001525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
An acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is an important life-threatening condition that requires early detection and management. Acute intramural hematoma (IMH), aortic dissection (AD) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) are included in AAS. ADs can be classified using the well-known Stanford or DeBakey classification systems. However, these classification systems omit description of arch dissections, anatomic variants, and morphologic features that impact outcome. The Society for Vascular Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (SVS-STS) have recently introduced a classification system that classifies ADs according to the location of the entry tear (primary intimomedial tear, PIT) and the proximal and distal extent of involvement, but does not include description of all morphologic features that may have diagnostic and prognostic significance. This review describes these classification systems for ADs and other AAS entities as well as their limitations. Typical computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging appearance and differentiating features of ADs, limited intimal tears (LITs), IMHs, intramural blood pools (IBPs), ulcer-like projections (ULPs), and PAUs will be discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights common imaging interpretation pitfalls, what should be included in a comprehensive CTA report, and provides a brief overview of current management options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Modares
- Faculty of Medicine, 1 King's College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate Hanneman
- Department of Medical Imaging, Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Toronto General Hospital, University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maral Ouzounian
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Chung
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elsie T Nguyen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Peter Munk Cardiac Center, Toronto General Hospital, University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Bullet embolism is a rare but potentially serious complication of a gunshot wound. This case report describes a 26-year-old male who presented with a gunshot to the lower back. Diagnostics revealed a migrating bullet that became lodged in the left pulmonary artery. After two unsuccessful attempts at endoscopic removal, the decision was made by the multidisciplinary team to retrieve the bullet surgically. The patient recovered well postoperatively. Four- and eight-month follow-up in the emergency department revealed no significant postoperative complications. Bullet embolism should be suspected when radiographs reveal a migrating projectile. Treatment options include conservative management, endoscopic bullet retrieval, and surgical removal. No guidelines for the management of a bullet embolism exist. Management should be based on the patient's clinical status and comorbidities, facility resources, and perceived risk of undergoing surgical retrieval of the bullet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaley Kovalev
- Acute Care Surgery, California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA.,Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Oscar D Salaiz
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
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Ufuk F, Kaya F, Sagtas E, Kupeli A. Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism in emergency CT. Emerg Radiol 2020; 27:343-350. [PMID: 32002737 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-020-01755-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE) results from the embolization of non-thrombotic materials. It can often be a challenging diagnosis due to non-specific (similar to thrombotic pulmonary embolism) or uncommon clinical and imaging findings. Patients with NTPE often present to the emergency department with acute respiratory distress, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the chest and CT pulmonary angiography are the imaging modalities of choice for respiratory distress. Since the treatment of NTPE is entirely different from thromboembolism, its distinction is essential. Moreover, early diagnosis of NTPE is necessary. Radiologists must be familiar with the diagnostic findings of NTPE, and this article aims to review the imaging features of various causes of NTPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furkan Ufuk
- Department of Radiology, University of Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Furkan Kaya
- Department of Radiology, University of Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Ergin Sagtas
- Department of Radiology, University of Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ali Kupeli
- Department of Radiology, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
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