Pulmonary Venous Obstruction in Cancer Patients

Pulmonary vein thrombosis: Clinical presentation and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare thromboembolic disease with potential high-risk complications related to arterial embolization, but little is known regarding risk factors and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the etiology, management, and clinical course of PVT.

METHODS

Institutional health records were queried (1/1/2001-12/30/2023) to identify patients ≥18 years of age diagnosed with PVT. Thrombosis, bleeding, respiratory failure, and all-cause mortality were analyzed. Suspected tumor thrombus cases were excluded.

RESULTS

72 patients with PVT were identified (median age 62 years, 50 % female), and PVT was overall rare at 3.1 diagnosed cases per year at our institution. PVT primarily affected a single vein (89 %), most commonly the left upper PV (40 %). Of these, 37 % occurred while on therapeutic anticoagulation. The most common risk factors included cancer (55 %) and related surgical lobectomy (21 %). Extrinsic vein compression (17 %) and recent surgery (19 %) were also common; 19 % were deemed idiopathic. Most patients (76 %) were treated with anticoagulation and frequently indefinite duration (80 %). During a median follow-up of 11.7 months (IQR 39.5 months), serial imaging (available for 68 %) revealed PVT resolution in 64 %. Four-year Kaplan-Meier probability of outcome included: left atrial thrombus (21 %), need for mechanical ventilation (14 %), pneumonia (9 %), and ischemic stroke (9 %). The mortality rate was 46 % with median survival 14 months after PVT diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

PVT is often associated with active malignancy, lobectomy, recent surgery, and extrinsic vein compression; 1 in 5 cases were idiopathic. Notable complications include left atrial thrombus with arterial embolism including stroke. With anticoagulation, most thrombi resolve over time. Mortality rates are high, reflecting the high the prevalence of cancer.

In vivo study of anticancer activity of ginsenoside Rh2-containing arginine-reduced graphene in a mouse model of breast cancer

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the in vivo anticancer activity of arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg) and ginsenoside Rh2-containing arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg-Rh2).

Materials and Methods

Thirty-two mice with breast cancer were divided into four groups and treated every three days for 32 days: Group 1, PBS, Group 2, Rh2, Group 3, Gr-Arg, and Group 4, Gr-Arg-Rh2. The tumor size and weight, gene expression (IL10, INF-γ, TGFβ, and FOXP3), and pathological properties of the tumor and normal tissues were assessed.

Results

Results showed a significant decrease in TGFβ expression for all drug treatment groups compared with the controls (P=0.04). There was no significant difference among the groups regarding IL10 and FOXP3 gene expression profiles (P>0.05). Gr-Arg-Rh2 significantly inhibited tumor growth (size and weight) compared with Rh2 and control groups. The highest survival rate and the highest percentage of tumor necrosis (87.5%) belonged to the Gr-Arg-Rh2 group. Lungs showed metastasis in the control group. No metastasis was observed in the Gr-Arg-Rh2 group. Gr-Arg-Rh2 showed partial degeneration of hepatocytes and acute cell infiltration in the portal spaces and around the central vein. The Gr-Arg group experienced a moderate infiltration of acute cells into the port spaces and around the central vein. The Rh2 group also showed a mild infiltration of acute and chronic cells in portal spaces.

Conclusion

Based on the results, Gr-Arg-Rh2 can reduce tumor size, weight, and growth, TGF-β gene expression, and increase tumor necrosis and survival time in mice with cancer.

Extrinsic compression of coronary and pulmonary vasculature

Coronary artery disease from atherosclerosis induced stenosis remains the leading cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and death worldwide, however extrinsic compression of coronary arteries from adjacent anatomical and pathological structures is an infrequent but important diagnosis to be aware of, especially given the nonspecific symptoms of chest pain that mimic angina in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and congenital heart disease. Non-invasive CT angiography is an invaluable diagnostic tool for detection of coronary artery compression, pulmonary artery dilatation and pulmonary vascular compression. Although established guidelines are not available for management of left main coronary artery (LMCA) compression syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation remain a feasible option for the treatment, specifically for patients with a high surgical risk. Treatment of pulmonary vein or artery compression is more varied and determined by etiology. This review article is focused on detailed discussion of extrinsic compression of coronary arteries, mainly the LMCA and brief discussion on pulmonary vasculature compression by surrounding anatomical and pathological entities, with focus on pathophysiology, clinical features, complications and role of imaging in its diagnosis and management.

Retrospective Analysis of Mortality Cases in Advanced and Metastatic Solid Tumors With Concurrent Prerenal Azotemia

BACKGROUND/AIM

A retrospective study of cases with metastatic or advanced solid tumors complicated with AKI (acute kidney injury) with prerenal azotemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Criteria included: (1) advanced or metastatic solid tumors that led to mortality; (2) prerenal azotemia identified upon renal function evaluation and (3) BUN to Cr ratio (BCR)≥15. We also compared the outcomes of patients with BCR>20 with those of patients with BCR=15-20.

RESULTS

A total of 218 patients with solid tumors were enrolled. One hundred and forty (64%) and 78 (36%) patients had BCR>20 and 15-20, respectively. Before AKI occurrence, 136 (62%) had thromboembolic complications and 96 (44%) paraneoplastic syndromes. Median survival time was 1 week in all patients. Median survival time was statistically different between the groups with BCR15-20 and BCR>20 (p<0.005, log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

Cancer patients with concurrent AKI and prerenal azotemia carry a very poor prognosis.

[Cardiac metastasis of a lung adenocarcinoma mimicking atrial myxoma]

Les tumeurs cardiaques secondaires demeurent une pathologie sévère et assez rare et sont typiquement associées à un stade évolué de la tumeur primitive et, de fait, à un pronostic péjoratif. Les présentations cliniques sont variables et potentiellement déroutantes. Nous rapportons les cas d’une patiente de 76 ans chez laquelle la présentation échocardiographique évoquait, en premier lieu, un myxome de l’oreillette gauche, mais le diagnostic définitif était celui d’un envahissement par un adénocarcinome pulmonaire. Nous abordons le tableau clinique, le résumé de la littérature et la prise charge.

Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction With Hepatic Enzyme Elevation Resembling Hepatitis in Patients With Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Chemotherapy is often halted due to abnormal liver function resembling hepatitis. But the cause can be extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) with hepatic enzyme elevation rather than being an adverse effect of chemotherapy. We investigated EHPVO with hepatic enzyme elevation in patients with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of these hospitalized patients with solid tumors between January 2013 and September 2017 were collected. The criteria for study inclusion were: (i) Extrahepatic malignancy; (ii) computed tomographic scans showing a tumor with external compression of the extrahepatic portal vein; and (iii) serum aminotransferase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT) level three times above the normal value.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of 377 (3%) patients developed EHPVO with hepatic enzyme elevation, as demonstrated from computed tomographic scan. Four cases (31%) also had vascular thrombosis (three portal vein and one inferior vena cava). Serum AST increased from 34±11 to 169±94 U/l. ALT increased from 9±38 to 177±104 U/l. There was no relationship of EHPVO with viral markers and cirrhosis. Six cases received chemotherapy with liver function improvement.

CONCLUSION

EHPVO occurred in patients with metastatic cancer, leading to hepatic enzyme elevation resembling hepatitis without hepatitis risk factors and cirrhosis. Before withholding chemotherapy due to hepatic enzyme elevation, the possibility of EHPVO should firstly be excluded.

Survival Benefit for Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma Receiving Continuous Maintenance Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Urothelial carcinoma is a chemo-sensitive cancer. We investigated the contributory factors to survival benefit of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (MUC) patients receiving continuous maintenance chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were: i) pathology-confirmed urothelial carcinoma, ii) metastatic lesions identified mainly on pre-therapy computed tomography (CT) scans, and iii) inpatient-administered chemotherapy of at least three cycles. Chemotherapy regimens included 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, cisplatin, and gemcitabine.

RESULTS

A total of 139 cases were enrolled in this study. The overall objective response rate was 60% and the median survival time was 17 months. Eight-two (59%) patients had inflammation-related symptoms following the course of chemotherapy. Fifty-five (41%) patients survived more than two years. All patients exhibited various fibrosis formations. No patient experienced unfavorable metastatic conditions. Inflammation-related symptoms remained in 28 (51%) patients. We found that surgery, invasive procedures, and infection likely led to a rapid tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

Continuous maintenance chemotherapy targeting chemo-sensitive tumors, administered at metronomic intervals and focus on tumor microenvironment, can increase MUC survival benefits.

Avascular Necrosis of Bone following Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients with Coagulopathy: Report of Two Cases

We report 2 cases of patients with solid tumors and coagulopathy who experienced avascular necrosis (AVN) of the bone following chemotherapy. Both cases exhibited nontraumatic bilateral AVN of the femoral heads, and one also showed bilateral AVN of the humeral heads. One case had multiple thromboembolic complications, including pulmonary obstructive syndrome and paraneoplastic pain. The other showed multiple paraneoplastic syndromes, with hypercalcemia and thrombocytosis. Groin pain and claudication of the lower extremities developed and persisted. Both patients eventually received bilateral hip arthroplasty due to AVN of both femoral heads.

Idiopathic pulmonary vein thrombosis: An unexpected cause of respiratory distress and acute heart failure. A case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Pulmonary vein thrombosis is a potentially fatal disease. The association between pulmonary vein thrombosis and chronic heart failure has not been described in the literature.

Case report

Herein, we report a case involving a 73-year-old woman, with a medical history of ischemic congestive heart failure, who was hospitalised for acute decompensated heart failure with respiratory distress. A computed tomography pulmonary angiography was performed to rule out the possibility of pulmonary embolism, and it showed evidence of pulmonary vein thrombosis. No cause was determined for the pulmonary vein thrombosis; hence, it was considered idiopathic and anticoagulation therapy was initiated for the patient. However, the patient died a few days after admission to the intensive care unit.

Conclusion

This case of pulmonary vein thrombosis is presented to promote awareness of this disease entity. We also want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion for this diagnosis, particularly in patients with acute decompensated heart failure who are refractory to standard therapy.

Left Atrial Mass Invasion from Pulmonary Neoplasm Extension via the Right Upper Pulmonary Vein Presenting as Ipsilateral Stroke

Left atrial invasion by lung cancer via haematogenous pathways is a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening event. While several cardiac complications of cardiac involvement have been previously described, the evolution towards cerebral stroke has been rarely reported. In this case report, we describe an atypical case of haematogenous metastatic invasion of the left atrium from pulmonary neoplasm extension presenting as an ipsilateral stroke whose ASCO classification changed during the clinical management.

The Role of Pulmonary Veins in Cancer Progression from a Computed Tomography Viewpoint

Background. We studied the role of pulmonary veins in cancer progression using computed tomography (CT) scans. Methods. We obtained data from 260 patients with pulmonary vein obstruction syndrome (PVOS). We used CT scans to investigate pulmonary lesions in relation to pulmonary veins. We divided the lesions into central and peripheral lesions by their anatomical location: in the lung parenchymal tissue or pulmonary vein; in the superior or inferior pulmonary vein; and by unilateral or bilateral presence in the lungs. Results. Of the 260 PVOS patients, 226 (87%) had central lesions, 231 (89%) had peripheral lesions, and 190 (75%) had mixed central and peripheral lesions. Among the 226 central lesions, 93% had lesions within the superior pulmonary vein, either bilaterally or unilaterally. Among the 231 peripheral lesions, 65% involved bilateral lungs, 70% involved lesions within the inferior pulmonary veins, and 23% had obvious metastatic extensions into the left atrium. All patients exhibited nodules within their pulmonary veins. The predeath status included respiratory failure (40%) and loss of consciousness (60%). Conclusion. CT scans play an important role in following tumor progression within pulmonary veins. Besides respiratory distress, PVOS cancer cells entering centrally can result in cardiac and cerebral events and loss of consciousness or can metastasize peripherally from the pulmonary veins to the lungs.

Iliofemoral Venous Thrombosis Mainly Related to Iliofemoral Venous Obstruction by External Tumor Compression in Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

To study iliofemoral venous thrombosis related to iliofemoral venous obstruction in cancer patients.

METHODS

In this case series study, 829 cancer patients were surveyed for iliofemoral obstruction/thrombosis within 10 years. The criteria for inclusion were: (1) presence of unilateral lower-extremity swelling; (2) computed tomography (CT) scans showing a tumor with external compression of the iliac or femoral vein, and (3) duplex ultrasound scans showing venous thrombosis or venous flow insufficiency over a femoral vein or saphenous vein.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients (8%) developed an iliofemoral venous obstruction. The presence of iliofemoral venous thrombosis was detected in 21 of these patients (33%). The rate of iliofemoral venous thrombosis was significantly higher in patients with an invasion of the inguinal region, D-dimer levels >3,000 ng/ml, gastrointestinal cancer, or invasion of the inguinal lymph nodes. However, none of our patients with iliofemoral venous thrombosis had a detection of iliofemoral venous obstruction. Improved lower-extremity swelling was reported in 84% of the patients following combination therapy involving low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and systemic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with an iliofemoral venous thrombosis mainly had iliofemoral venous obstruction by external tumor compression. Combination therapy with LMWH and systemic therapy were mandatory for these patients.