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de Jong CMM, Kroft LJM, van Mens TE, Huisman MV, Stöger JL, Klok FA. Modern imaging of acute pulmonary embolism. Thromb Res 2024; 238:105-116. [PMID: 38703584 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The first-choice imaging test for visualization of thromboemboli in the pulmonary vasculature in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) - a readily available and widely used imaging technique. Through technological advancements over the past years, alternative imaging techniques for the diagnosis of PE have become available, whilst others are still under investigation. In particular, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to enable further innovation in diagnostic management of PE. In this narrative review, current CTPA techniques and the emerging technology photon-counting CT (PCCT), as well as other modern imaging techniques of acute PE are discussed, including CTPA with iodine maps based on subtraction or dual-energy acquisition, single-photon emission CT (SPECT), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI). Furthermore, potential applications of AI are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M M de Jong
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - L J M Kroft
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - T E van Mens
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M V Huisman
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J L Stöger
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - F A Klok
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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2
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Zieliński D, Darocha S, Pietrasik A, Machowski M, Wróbel K, Kurzyna M, Pruszczyk P, Torbicki A, Biederman A. Chronic thromboembolic disease among patients undergoing surgical pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 2024; 65:302-310. [PMID: 38635283 DOI: 10.23736/s0021-9509.24.12931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic thromboembolic lesions in the pulmonary arteries among patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism and their impact on treatment outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive patients undergoing emergency pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism between 2013 and August 2021. According to European Society of Cardiology guidelines, the diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, imaging studies and laboratory tests. Surgery was selected as the optimal treatment modality within the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. Based on the intraoperatively identified chronic lesions patients were divided into two groups: acute only and acute/chronic. The analysis comprised history, laboratory and imaging studies, early and long-term mortality, and postoperative complications. We determined predictive factors for chronic thromboembolic lesions and risk factors for death. RESULTS The analysis included 33 patients. Intraoperatively, 42% (14) of patients had chronic lesions. Predictive factors for these lesions are the duration of symptoms >1 week (OR=13.75), pulmonary artery dilatation >3.15 cm (OR=39.00) and right ventricle systolic pressure >52 mmHg (OR=29.33). No hospital deaths occurred in the acute only group and two in the acute/chronic group (0% vs. 14.3%; P=0.172). Risk factors for death are the duration of symptoms >3 weeks (HR=7.35) and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (HR=7.04). CONCLUSIONS Acute thromboembolic disease overlapping chronic clots is relatively common among patients undergoing pulmonary artery embolectomy. A detailed evaluation of the patient's medical history and imaging studies can identify these patients, as they require special attention when making treatment decisions. Surgical treatment in a center of expertise in pulmonary endarterectomy seems reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Zieliński
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medicover Hospital, Warsaw, Poland -
- Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland -
| | - Szymon Darocha
- Department of Pulmonary Circulation, Thromboembolic Diseases and Cardiology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Otwock, Poland
- European Health Center, Otwock, Poland
| | | | - Michał Machowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Wróbel
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medicover Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Kurzyna
- Department of Pulmonary Circulation, Thromboembolic Diseases and Cardiology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Otwock, Poland
- European Health Center, Otwock, Poland
| | - Piotr Pruszczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Torbicki
- Department of Pulmonary Circulation, Thromboembolic Diseases and Cardiology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Otwock, Poland
- European Health Center, Otwock, Poland
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3
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Gertz RJ, Gerhardt F, Pienn M, Lennartz S, Kröger JR, Caldeira L, Pennig L, Schömig TH, Hokamp NG, Maintz D, Rosenkranz S, Bunck AC. Dual-layer dual-energy CT-derived pulmonary perfusion for the differentiation of acute pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:2944-2956. [PMID: 37921925 PMCID: PMC11126515 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate dual-layer dual-energy computed tomography (dlDECT)-derived pulmonary perfusion maps for differentiation between acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). METHODS This retrospective study included 131 patients (57 patients with acute PE, 52 CTEPH, 22 controls), who underwent CT pulmonary angiography on a dlDECT. Normal and malperfused areas of lung parenchyma were semiautomatically contoured using iodine density overlay (IDO) maps. First-order histogram features of normal and malperfused lung tissue were extracted. Iodine density (ID) was normalized to the mean pulmonary artery (MPA) and the left atrium (LA). Furthermore, morphological imaging features for both acute and chronic PE, as well as the combination of histogram and morphological imaging features, were evaluated. RESULTS In acute PE, normal perfused lung areas showed a higher mean and peak iodine uptake normalized to the MPA than in CTEPH (both p < 0.001). After normalizing mean ID in perfusion defects to the LA, patients with acute PE had a reduced average perfusion (IDmean,LA) compared to both CTEPH patients and controls (p < 0.001 for both). IDmean,LA allowed for a differentiation between acute PE and CTEPH with moderate accuracy (AUC: 0.72, sensitivity 74%, specificity 64%), resulting in a PPV and NPV for CTEPH of 64% and 70%. Combining IDmean,LA in the malperfused areas with the diameter of the MPA (MPAdia) significantly increased its ability to differentiate between acute PE and CTEPH (sole MPAdia: AUC: 0.76, 95%-CI: 0.68-0.85 vs. MPAdia + 256.3 * IDmean,LA - 40.0: AUC: 0.82, 95%-CI: 0.74-0.90, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION dlDECT enables quantification and characterization of pulmonary perfusion patterns in acute PE and CTEPH. Although these lack precision when used as a standalone criterion, when combined with morphological CT parameters, they hold potential to enhance differentiation between the two diseases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Differentiating between acute PE and CTEPH based on morphological CT parameters is challenging, often leading to a delay in CTEPH diagnosis. By revealing distinct pulmonary perfusion patterns in both entities, dlDECT may facilitate timely diagnosis of CTEPH, ultimately improving clinical management. KEY POINTS • Morphological imaging parameters derived from CT pulmonary angiography to distinguish between acute pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension lack diagnostic accuracy. • Dual-layer dual-energy CT reveals different pulmonary perfusion patterns between acute pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. • The identified parameters yield potential to enable more timely identification of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Johannes Gertz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Felix Gerhardt
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Pienn
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Lennartz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Robert Kröger
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Johannes Wesling University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Liliana Caldeira
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lenhard Pennig
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Henning Schömig
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Große Hokamp
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Maintz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Rosenkranz
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Christian Bunck
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Pepke-Zaba J, Howard L, Kiely DG, Sweeney S, Johnson M. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) to Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease (CTEPD): Findings from a Survey of UK Physicians. Adv Respir Med 2024; 92:45-57. [PMID: 38247551 PMCID: PMC10801485 DOI: 10.3390/arm92010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) is a complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). We conducted an online survey of UK PE-treating physicians to understand practices in the follow-up of PE and awareness of CTEPD. The physicians surveyed (N = 175) included 50 each from cardiology, respiratory and internal medicine, plus 25 haematologists. Most (89%) participants had local guidelines for PE management, and 65% reported a PE follow-up clinic, of which 69% were joint clinics. Almost half (47%) had a protocol for the investigation of CTEPD. According to participants, 129 (74%) routinely consider a diagnosis of CTEPD and 97 (55%) routinely investigate for CTEPD, with 76% of those 97 participants investigating in patients who are symptomatic at 3 months and 22% investigating in all patients. This survey demonstrated variability in the follow-up of PE and the awareness of CTEPD and its investigation. The findings support the conduct of a national audit to understand the barriers to the timely detection of CTEPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Pepke-Zaba
- Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Unit, National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0AY, UK
| | - Luke Howard
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - David G Kiely
- Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Shruti Sweeney
- Medical Affairs Department, Janssen-Cilag Ltd., High Wycombe HP12 4EG, UK
| | - Martin Johnson
- Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow G81 4DY, UK
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5
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Luijten D, de Jong CMM, Ninaber MK, Spruit MA, Huisman MV, Klok FA. Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome and Functional Outcomes after Acute Pulmonary Embolism. Semin Thromb Hemost 2023; 49:848-860. [PMID: 35820428 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Survivors of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are at risk of developing persistent, sometimes disabling symptoms of dyspnea and/or functional limitations despite adequate anticoagulant treatment, fulfilling the criteria of the post-PE syndrome (PPES). PPES includes chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease, post-PE cardiac impairment (characterized as persistent right ventricle impairment after PE), and post-PE functional impairment. To improve the overall health outcomes of patients with acute PE, adequate measures to diagnose PPES and strategies to prevent and treat PPES are essential. Patient-reported outcome measures are very helpful to identify patients with persistent symptoms and functional impairment. The primary concern is to identify and adequately treat patients with CTEPH as early as possible. After CTEPH is ruled out, additional diagnostic tests including cardiopulmonary exercise tests, echocardiography, and imaging of the pulmonary vasculature may be helpful to rule out non-PE-related comorbidities and confirm the ultimate diagnosis. Most PPES patients will show signs of physical deconditioning as main explanation for their clinical presentation. Therefore, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation provides a good potential treatment option for this patient category, which warrants testing in adequately designed and executed randomized trials. In this review, we describe the definition and characteristics of PPES and its diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke Luijten
- Department of Medicine, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy M M de Jong
- Department of Medicine, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten K Ninaber
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Spruit
- Department of Research & Development, Ciro, Horn, The Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Menno V Huisman
- Department of Medicine, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Medicine, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Luijten D, Talerico R, Barco S, Cannegieter SC, Delcroix M, Ende-Verhaar YM, Huisman MV, Konstantinidis S, Mairuhu ATA, van Mens TE, Ninaber M, Pruszczyk P, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Klok FA. Incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir J 2023; 62:2300449. [PMID: 37321620 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00449-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke Luijten
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Talerico
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Barco
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzanne C Cannegieter
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yvonne M Ende-Verhaar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Menno V Huisman
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stavros Konstantinidis
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Albert T A Mairuhu
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Haga Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs E van Mens
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Ninaber
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr Pruszczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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7
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Zhai Z, Boon GJAM, Staring M, van Dam LF, Kroft LJM, Hernández Girón I, Ninaber MK, Bogaard HJ, Meijboom LJ, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Huisman MV, Klok FA, Stoel BC. Automated quantification of the pulmonary vasculature in pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12223. [PMID: 37128354 PMCID: PMC10148047 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The shape and distribution of vascular lesions in pulmonary embolism (PE) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are different. We investigated whether automated quantification of pulmonary vascular morphology and densitometry in arteries and veins imaged by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) could distinguish PE from CTEPH. We analyzed CTPA images from a cohort of 16 PE patients, 6 CTEPH patients, and 15 controls. Pulmonary vessels were extracted with a graph-cut method, and separated into arteries and veins using deep-learning classification. Vascular morphology was quantified by the slope (α) and intercept (β) of the vessel radii distribution. To quantify lung perfusion defects, the median pulmonary vascular density was calculated. By combining these measurements with densities measured in parenchymal areas, pulmonary trunk, and descending aorta, a static perfusion curve was constructed. All separate quantifications were compared between the three groups. No vascular morphology differences were detected in contrast to vascular density values. The median vascular density (interquartile range) was -567 (113), -452 (95), and -470 (323) HU, for the control, PE, and CTEPH group. The static perfusion curves showed different patterns between groups, with a statistically significant difference in aorta-pulmonary trunk gradient between the PE and CTEPH groups (p = 0.008). In this proof of concept study, not vasculature morphology but densities differentiated between patients of three groups. Further technical improvements are needed to allow for accurate differentiation between PE and CTEPH, which in this study was only possible statistically by measuring the density gradient between aorta and pulmonary trunk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhai
- Division of Image Processing, Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Gudula J. A. M. Boon
- Department of Medicine ‐ Thrombosis and HemostasisLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Marius Staring
- Division of Image Processing, Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Lisette F. van Dam
- Department of Medicine ‐ Thrombosis and HemostasisLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Lucia J. M. Kroft
- Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Irene Hernández Girón
- Division of Image Processing, Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Maarten K. Ninaber
- Department of PulmonologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Harm Jan Bogaard
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Lilian J. Meijboom
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Anton Vonk Noordegraaf
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMCVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Menno V. Huisman
- Department of Medicine ‐ Thrombosis and HemostasisLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A. Klok
- Department of Medicine ‐ Thrombosis and HemostasisLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Berend C. Stoel
- Division of Image Processing, Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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8
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Levi M. Identifying patients at risk for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 111:30-31. [PMID: 36707297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Levi
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (location Academic Medical Center), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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9
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Barco S, Mavromanoli AC, Kreitner KF, Bunck AC, Gertz RJ, Ley S, Valerio L, Klok FA, Gerhardt F, Rosenkranz S, Konstantinides SV. Preexisting Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension in Acute Pulmonary Embolism. Chest 2023; 163:923-932. [PMID: 36621756 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is considered a complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). However, signs of CTEPH may exist in patients with a first symptomatic PE. RESEARCH QUESTION Which radiologic findings on CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) at the time of acute PE could indicate the presence of preexisting CTEPH? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This study included unselected patients with acute PE who were prospectively followed up for 2 years with a structured visit schedule. Two expert radiologists independently assessed patients' baseline CTPAs for preexisting CTEPH; in case of disagreement, a decision was reached by a 2:1 majority with a third expert radiologist. In addition, the radiologists checked for predefined individual parameters suggesting chronic PE and pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS Signs of chronic PE or CTEPH at baseline were identified in 46 of 303 included patients (15%). Intravascular webs, arterial narrowing or retraction, dilated bronchial arteries, and right ventricular hypertrophy were the main drivers of the assessment. Five (1.7%) patients were diagnosed with CTEPH during follow-up. All four patients diagnosed with CTEPH early (83-108 days following acute PE) were found in enriched subgroups based on the experts' overall assessment or fulfilling a minimum number of the predefined radiologic criteria at baseline. The specificity of preexisting CTEPH diagnosis and the level of radiologists' agreement improved as the number of required criteria increased. INTERPRETATION Searching for predefined radiologic parameters suggesting preexisting CTEPH at the time of acute PE diagnosis may allow for targeted follow-up strategies and risk-adapted CTEPH screening, thus facilitating earlier CTEPH diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Barco
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Department of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anna C Mavromanoli
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl-Friedrich Kreitner
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexander C Bunck
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roman J Gertz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ley
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Artemed Klinikum München Süd, Munich, Germany
| | - Luca Valerio
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Department of Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Department of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Gerhardt
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center at the University Hospital Cologne, and Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Rosenkranz
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center at the University Hospital Cologne, and Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stavros V Konstantinides
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Department of Cardiology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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10
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Lambert L, Michalek P, Burgetova A. The diagnostic performance of CT pulmonary angiography in the detection of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension-systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:7927-7935. [PMID: 35482124 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08804-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the diagnostic performance of CT of the pulmonary artery (CTPA) as a potential first-choice imaging modality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and suspected chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA reporting checklist. Six scientific databases and registers (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov ) were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of CTPA in suspected CTEPH in adult patients. Results were pooled separately for studies based on the evaluation of the pulmonary artery and those that relied solely on changes in parenchymal perfusion. RESULTS Ten single-center studies with 734 patients were eligible for pooling of the diagnostic performance of CTPA by evaluation of the pulmonary artery. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) estimates for CTPA in the detection of CTEPH were 0.98, 0.99, 0.94, 1.00, 0.96, 0.96, and 292. Evaluation of perfusion changes yielded pooled estimates for sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, and DOR of 0.99, 0.84, 0.79, 0.98, 0.89, 0.89, and 98 across four studies with 278 patients. Scintigraphy, SPECT, digital subtraction angiography, right heart catheterization, pulmonary endarterectomy, and international guidelines were used to establish the diagnosis. CONCLUSION CTPA has high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of CTEPH when the examination is evaluated by expert radiologists. Evaluation of parenchymal perfusion alone is associated with slightly lower specificity. Further research is needed to determine the diagnostic performance of CTPA in excluding CTEPH in general radiology departments. KEY POINTS • CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is recommended in the diagnostic workup of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). • CTPA has high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of CTEPH when evaluated by an expert radiologist. • Evaluation of changes in parenchymal perfusion alone is associated with slightly lower specificity. • Little is known about the diagnostic performance of CTPA in the detection of CTEPH in general radiology departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Lambert
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Michalek
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Burgetova
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Luijten D, Meijer FMM, Boon GJAM, Ende-Verhaar YM, Bavalia R, El Bouazzaoui LH, Delcroix M, Huisman MV, Mairuhu ATA, Middeldorp S, Pruszcyk P, Ruigrok D, Verhamme P, Vonk Noordegraaf A, Vriend JWJ, Vliegen HW, Klok FA. Diagnostic efficacy of ECG-derived ventricular gradient for the detection of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. J Electrocardiol 2022; 74:94-100. [PMID: 36057190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Application of the chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) rule out criteria (manual electrocardiogram [ECG] reading and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NTproBNP] test) can rule out CTEPH in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients with persistent dyspnea (InShape II algorithm). Increased pulmonary pressure may also be identified using automated ECG-derived ventricular gradient optimized for right ventricular pressure overload (VG-RVPO). METHOD A predefined analysis of the InShape II study was performed. The diagnostic performance of the VG-RVPO for the detection of CTEPH and the incremental diagnostic value of the VG-RVPO as new rule-out criteria in the InShape II algorithm were evaluated. RESULTS 60 patients were included; 5 (8.3%) were ultimately diagnosed with CTEPH. The mean baseline VG-RVPO (at time of PE diagnosis) was -18.12 mV·ms for CTEPH patients and - 21.57 mV·ms for non-CTEPH patients (mean difference 3.46 mV·ms [95%CI -29.03 to 35.94]). The VG-RVPO (after 3-6 months follow-up) normalized in patients with and without CTEPH, without a clear between-group difference (mean Δ VG-RVPO of -8.68 and - 8.42 mV·ms respectively; mean difference of -0.25 mV·ms, [95%CI -12.94 to 12.44]). The overall predictive accuracy of baseline VG-RVPO, follow-up RVPO and Δ VG-RVPO for CTEPH was moderate to poor (ROC AUC 0.611, 0.514 and 0.539, respectively). Up to 76% of the required echocardiograms could have been avoided with VG-RVPO criteria replacing the InShape II rule-out criteria, however at cost of missing up to 80% of the CTEPH diagnoses. CONCLUSION We could not demonstrate (additional) diagnostic value of VG-RVPO as standalone test or as on top of the InShape II algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke Luijten
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fleur M M Meijer
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gudula J A M Boon
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne M Ende-Verhaar
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roisin Bavalia
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marion Delcroix
- Department of Pneumology, KU Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Menno V Huisman
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Albert T A Mairuhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Middeldorp
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Pruszcyk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Dieuwertje Ruigrok
- Department of Pulmonology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Verhamme
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anton Vonk Noordegraaf
- Department of Pulmonology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joris W J Vriend
- Department of Cardiology, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Hubert W Vliegen
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Overton PM, Toshner M, Mulligan C, Vora P, Nikkho S, Jan de Backer, Lavon BR, Klok FA. Pulmonary thromboembolic events in COVID‐19 – a systematic literature review. Pulm Circ 2022; 12:e12113. [PMID: 35942076 PMCID: PMC9349961 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary thromboembolic events have been linked to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but their incidence and long‐term sequelae remain unclear. We performed a systematic literature review to investigate the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE), microthrombi, thrombosis in situ (thromboinflammatory disease), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) during and after COVID‐19. PubMed and the World Health Organization Global Research Database were searched on May 7, 2021. Hospital cohort and database studies reporting data for ≥1000 patients and autopsy studies reporting data for ≥20 patients were included. Results were summarized descriptively. We screened 1438 records and included 41 references (32 hospital/database studies and 9 autopsy studies). The hospital/database studies reported the incidence of PE but not CTEPH, microthrombi, or thromboinflammatory disease. PE incidence varied widely (0%–1.1% of outpatients, 0.9%–8.2% of hospitalized patients, and 1.8%–18.9% of patients in intensive care). One study reported PE events occurring within 45 days after hospital discharge (incidence in discharged patients: 0.2%). Segmental arteries were generally the most common location for PE. In autopsy studies, PE, thromboinflammatory disease, and microthrombi were reported in 6%–23%, 43%–100%, and 45%–84% of deceased patients, respectively. Overall, the included studies mostly focused on PE during the acute phase of COVID‐19. The results demonstrate the challenges of identifying and characterizing vascular abnormalities using current protocols (e.g., visual computed tomography reads). Further research is needed to detect subtle pulmonary vascular abnormalities, distinguish thromboinflammatory disease from PE, optimize treatment, and assess the incidence of long‐term sequelae after COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Toshner
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine University of Cambridge UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Frederikus A. Klok
- Department of Medicine–Thrombosis and Hemostasis Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands
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Luijten D, de Jong CMM, Klok FA. Post Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome. Arch Bronconeumol 2022; 58:533-535. [PMID: 35312578 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke Luijten
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy M M de Jong
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Prediction of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with standardised evaluation of initial computed tomography pulmonary angiography performed for suspected acute pulmonary embolism. Eur Radiol 2021; 32:2178-2187. [PMID: 34854928 PMCID: PMC8921171 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Closer reading of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans of patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) may identify those at high risk of developing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to validate the predictive value of six radiological predictors that were previously proposed. Methods Three hundred forty-one patients with acute PE were prospectively followed for development of CTEPH in six European hospitals. Index CTPAs were analysed post hoc by expert chest radiologists blinded to the final diagnosis. The accuracy of the predictors using a predefined threshold for ‘high risk’ (≥ 3 predictors) and the expert overall judgment on the presence of CTEPH were assessed. Results CTEPH was confirmed in nine patients (2.6%) during 2-year follow-up. Any sign of chronic thrombi was already present in 74/341 patients (22%) on the index CTPA, which was associated with CTEPH (OR 7.8, 95%CI 1.9–32); 37 patients (11%) had ≥ 3 of 6 radiological predictors, of whom 4 (11%) were diagnosed with CTEPH (sensitivity 44%, 95%CI 14–79; specificity 90%, 95%CI 86–93). Expert judgment raised suspicion of CTEPH in 27 patients, which was confirmed in 8 (30%; sensitivity 89%, 95%CI 52–100; specificity 94%, 95%CI 91–97). Conclusions The presence of ≥ 3 of 6 predefined radiological predictors was highly specific for a future CTEPH diagnosis, comparable to overall expert judgment, while the latter was associated with higher sensitivity. Dedicated CTPA reading for signs of CTEPH may therefore help in early detection of CTEPH after PE, although in our cohort this strategy would not have detected all cases. Key Points • Three expert chest radiologists re-assessed CTPA scans performed at the moment of acute pulmonary embolism diagnosis and observed a high prevalence of chronic thrombi and signs of pulmonary hypertension. • On these index scans, the presence of ≥ 3 of 6 predefined radiological predictors was highly specific for a future diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), comparable to overall expert judgment. • Dedicated CTPA reading for signs of CTEPH may help in early detection of CTEPH after acute pulmonary embolism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-021-08364-0.
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