Pulmonary embolism in oncologic patients: frequency and embolus burden of symptomatic and unsuspected events

Lung Cancer Related Thrombosis (LCART): Focus on Immune Checkpoint Blockade

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a common complication in lung cancer patients. Lung cancer confers an increased risk of thrombosis compared to other solid malignancies across all stages of the disease. Newer treatment agents, including checkpoint immunotherapy and targeted agents, may further increase the risk of CAT. Different risk-assessment models, such as the Khorana Risk Score, and newer approaches that incorporate genetic risk factors have been used in lung cancer patients to evaluate the risk of thrombosis. The management of CAT is based on the results of large prospective trials, which show similar benefits to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in ambulatory patients. The anticoagulation agent and duration of therapy should be personalized according to lung cancer stage and histology, the presence of driver mutations and use of antineoplastic therapy, including recent curative lung surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Treatment options should be evaluated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been shown to impact the thrombotic risk in cancer patients. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, novel predictive scores and management of CAT in patients with active lung cancer, with a focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Unreported incidental pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer: Radiologic natural history and risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism and death

PURPOSE

To assess the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and death in patients with unreported cancer-associated incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Matched cohort study on cancer patients with a CT study including the chest between 2014-01-01 and 2019-06-30. Studies were reviewed for unreported iPE, and cases were matched with controls without iPE. Cases and controls were followed for one year, with recurrent VTE and death as outcome events.

RESULTS

Of the included 2960 patients, 171 patients had unreported and untreated iPE. While controls had a one-year VTE risk of 8.2 events per 100 person-years, cases with a single subsegmental iPE had a recurrent VTE risk of 20.9 events, and between 52.0 and 72.0 events per 100 person-years for multiple subsegmental iPE and more proximal iPE. In multivariable analysis, multiple subsegmental and more proximal iPE were significantly associated with the risk of recurrent VTE, while single subsegmental iPE was not associated with the risk of recurrent VTE (p = 0.13). In the subgroup of patients (n = 47) with cancer not in the highest Khorana VTE risk category, no metastases and up to three involved vessels, recurrent VTE occurred in two patients (4.7 cases per 100 person-years). There were no significant associations between iPE burden and risk of death.

CONCLUSION

In cancer patients with unreported iPE, iPE burden was associated with the risk of recurrent VTE. However, having a single subsegmental iPE was not associated with the risk of recurrent VTE. There were no significant associations between iPE burden and risk of death.

Incidental pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer: prevalence, underdiagnosis and evaluation of an AI algorithm for automatic detection of pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of reported and unreported incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE) in patients with cancer, and to evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for automatic detection of iPE.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on patients with cancer with an elective CT study including the chest between 2018-07-01 and 2019-06-30. All study reports and images were reviewed to identify reported and unreported iPE and were processed by the AI algorithm.

RESULTS

One thousand sixty-nine patients (1892 studies) were included. Per study, iPE was present in 75 studies (4.0%), of which 16 (21.3%) were reported. Unreported iPE had a significantly lower number of involved vessels compared to reported iPE, with a median of 2 (interquartile range, IQR, 1-4) versus 5 (IQR 3-9.75), p < 0.001. There were no significant differences in age, cancer type, or attenuation of the main pulmonary artery. The AI algorithm correctly identified 68 of 75 iPE, with 3 false positives (sensitivity 90.7%, specificity 99.8%, PPV 95.6%, NPV 99.6%). False negatives occurred in cases with 1-3 involved vessels. Of the unreported iPE, 32/59 (54.2%) were proximal to the subsegmental arteries.

CONCLUSION

In patients with cancer, the prevalence of iPE was 4.0%, of which only 21% were reported. Greater than 50% of unreported iPE were proximal to the subsegmental arteries. The AI algorithm had a very high sensitivity and specificity with only three false positives, with the potential to increase the detection rate of iPE.

KEY POINTS

• In a retrospective single-center study on patients with cancer, unreported iPE were common, with the majority lying proximal to the subsegmental arteries. • The evaluated AI algorithm had a very high sensitivity and specificity, so has the potential to increase the detection rate of iPE.

Pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer: An updated and operative guide for diagnosis and management

Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Appropriate risk stratification for primary and secondary VTE prevention as well as for risk of early death in acute setting is needed for an adequate treatment. Despite enormous advances have been made in the management of VTE in the last two decades, optimal medical therapy remains a major concern due to still high incidence of both symptomatic and incidental pulmonary embolism (PE), its recurrence, poor survival rate, bleeding risk and multiple drugs interactions. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) simplified the treatment of VTE as compared to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) due to their oral administration, fixed dose regimens and lower cost. However, their prescription requires extra caution, especially in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Lastly, data on reperfusion approaches remain confined to case series and subgroups analysis. The aim of this review is to summarize recent knowledge concerning PE in patients with malignancies, focusing on available treatments and decision making.

Emergency management of incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE)

Venous thrombo-embolic (VTE) disease is a common cause of complications in patients with cancer and is the second most common cause of death in oncology patients other than the malignant disease. Whilst symptomatic VTE comprises the majority of such presentations to an emergency department (ED), incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE) is an increasingly frequent reason for attendance.

Many studies report that the consequences of IPE do not differ significantly from those with symptomatic presentations and thus most guidelines recommend using the same approach. The complexity of treatment in cancer patients due to increased prevalence of co-morbidities, higher risk of bleeding, abnormal platelet and renal function, greater risk of VTE recurrence, and medications with the risk of anticoagulant interaction are consistent across patients with symptomatic and IPE.

One of the initial challenges of the management of IPE is the design of a pathway that provides both patients and clinicians with a seamless journey from the radiological diagnosis of IPE to their initial clinical workup and management. Increased access to ambulatory care has successfully reduced ED utilisation and improved clinical outcomes in high-risk non-oncological populations, such as those with IPE.

In this clinical review, we consider IPE management, its workup, the conundrums it may present for emergency physicians and the need to consider emergency ambulatory care for this growing cohort of patients.

Incidental pulmonary emboli are associated with a very high probability of progressive malignant disease on staging CT scans

PURPOSE

The link between malignancy and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well established; the risk has been shown to be higher in certain tumour types and in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. 'Active' cancer is often quoted as being a particular risk factor for VTE, but the definition varies widely and the supporting evidence is weak. This study was conceived to establish whether incidental pulmonary emboli are associated with an increased likelihood of progressive disease on a staging computed tomography (CT) scan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All CT scans containing incidental PEs over the course of a year in a large specialist cancer hospital were examined (n = 306). An age-matched control group was assembled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship of several independent variables, including progressive disease, with the dependent variable of the presence or absence of incidental pulmonary emboli.

RESULTS

Progressive disease was present in 144 of 306 (47.1%) of the patients in the PE group but only 63 of 306 (20.6%) of the control group patients. Progressive disease on the staging CT scan was found to have an odds ratio for incidental PE of 3.46, with a 95% CI of 2.38-5.01. Receiving platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in an odds ratio of 3.89 (2.41-6.28) for PE. Receiving non-platinum-based systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) resulted in an odds ratio for PE of 1.71 (1.16-2.50).

CONCLUSION

The detection of an incidental PE on a staging CT scan is associated with a very high risk of progressive malignant disease.

Concurrence of Gastric Cancer and Incidental Pulmonary Embolism May Be a Prognostic Factor for Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients with Incidental Pulmonary Embolism

Objective

Cancer is well known as the most important risk factor for the emergence of pulmonary embolism (PE). The incidence of incidental PE (IPE) has increased with widely use of multi-detector-row computed tomography (CT) technology. Simultaneously, more new cancer patients diagnosed concomitantly with IPE are found. No study has examined the presentation and prognosis of incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE) in gastric cancer patients. The aim of this study was to analyse prognostic factors in patients with advanced gastric cancer complicated with IPE.

Patients and Methods

Ninety patients with histologically confirmed advanced gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed with IPE were enrolled. Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test if non-normally distributed. The Chi-squared test (or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate) was used to compare categorical variables. The Kaplan–Meier method and the Log rank test were used for survival analysis. Independent prognostic factors for survival were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model. A two-sided P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Nineteen patients were diagnosed with IPE concomitantly with gastric cancer. Concurrence of gastric cancer and IPE, lack of anticoagulation therapy, and location of IPE were associated with survival. After adjusting for age and sex, the concurrence of gastric cancer and IPE, lack of anticoagulation, and central IPE independently influenced the survival of advanced gastric cancer patients with IPE. Subgroup analysis of patients with peripheral pulmonary embolisms confirmed that anticoagulant therapy provided a survival benefit.

Conclusion

Concurrence of gastric cancer and IPE may be a prognostic factor for advanced gastric cancer patients with IPE.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Arterial thromboembolism, including myocardial infarction and stroke, is also prevalent. Risk differs in subgroups, with higher rates observed in specific cancers including pancreas, stomach, and multiple myeloma. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended for most patients with active cancer hospitalized for medical illnesses and after major cancer surgery. Outpatient thromboprophylaxis is not routinely recommended, but emerging data suggest that a high-risk population that benefits from pharmacological thromboprophylaxis can be identified using a validated risk tool. Direct oral anticoagulants are emerging as the preferred new option for the treatment of cancer-associated VTE, although low-molecular-weight heparin remains a standard for patients at high bleeding risk. Management of VTE beyond the first 6 months and challenging clinical situations including intracranial metastases and thrombocytopenia require careful management in balancing the benefits and risks of anticoagulation and remain major knowledge gaps in evidence.

Can the CT by-product Time to threshold be a prognostic factor in patients with acute pulmonary embolism?

INTRODUCTION

Bolus tracking is applied in computed tomography pulmonary angiography. The time that it takes for contrast to reach a predefined threshold in the pulmonary artery is called time to threshold (TTT). Our purpose was to analyse possible associations between TTT and circulatory state and prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

In a single-centre, retrospective study 138 patients with PE and contrast administration via peripheral venous line were included. Clinical parameters of circulatory state were arterial pH, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, sPESI score, Wells score and GENEVA score. Survival was defined as surviving the following 30 days after the PE diagnosis.

RESULTS

Time to threshold was only weakly correlated with Fi02 (r = 0.26, P = 0.04), pH (r = -0.22, P = 0.009), venous base excess (r = -0.18, P = 0.04) and venous lactate (r = 0.21, P = 0.01). TTT did not correlate with clinical parameters/scores and mortality. There were weak associations between TTT and blood gas analysis parameters. There were no associations with clinically relevant prognosis scores and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, albeit TTT is an easily assessable parameter of CTPA, the potential use in clinical routine is limited for prognosis stratification in patients with PE.

Clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of incidental pulmonary embolism in cancer patients

Incidental pulmonary embolisms (IPEs) are common in cancer patients. Examining the characteristics and outcomes of IPEs in cancer patients can help to ensure proper management, promoting better outcomes. To determine the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of IPEs for cancer patients, we conducted a 1:2 ratio case-control study and identified all consecutive patients with IPE who visited the emergency department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2016. Each IPE case was matched with 2 controls using a propensity score obtained using logistic regression for IPE status with other factors affecting overall survival. A total of 904 confirmed cases were included in the analysis. IPE frequently occurred during the first year after cancer diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.79; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.37-3.29; P < .001). Patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy had a nearly threefold greater risk of developing IPE (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 2.42-3.40; P < .001). In-hospital mortality was 1.9%. The 7- and 30-day mortality rates among the cases were 1.8% and 9.9%, respectively, which was significantly higher than in the control groups: 0.2% and 3.1%, respectively (P < .001). IPE was associated with reduced overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.93; 95% CI, 1.74-2.14; P < .001). Concurrent incidental venous thromboembolism was identified in 189 of the patients (20.9%) and was also associated with reduced overall survival (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21-2.25; P = .001). Our results show that IPE events are associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients. Proper management plans similar to those of symptomatic pulmonary embolisms are essential.

Poorer baseline performance status is associated with increased thromboembolism risk in metastatic cancer patients treated with immunotherapy

PURPOSE

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. However, the association of VTE with immunotherapy remains poorly defined. We therefore evaluated the frequency of VTE in patients receiving immunotherapy and tried to determine predisposing factors.

METHODS

A total of 133 adult metastatic cancer patients treated with immunotherapy for any cancer between were included. Baseline demographics, ECOG performance status, type of tumors, and baseline blood count parameters were recorded. Possible predisposing factors were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median age was 60 (interquartile range (IQR) 48-66) years, and the median follow-up was 10.1 (IQR 5.8-18.5) months. Renal cell carcinoma (26.3%) and melanoma (24.1%) were most common diagnoses. Fifteen patients (11.3%) had an episode of VTE. Most of the VTEs were diagnosed as pulmonary emboli (10/15; 67%). Eighty percent (12/15) of these VTE cases were detected incidentally. Patients with a baseline ECOG performance status of 1 or more (29.3% of patients) had a significantly increased risk of venous thrombosis (ECOG ≥1 vs. 0, HR: 3.023, 95% CI: 1.011-9.039, p=0.048). Other factors, including patient age, tumor type, body mass index, baseline thrombocyte, neutrophil, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were not significantly associated with VTE risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed VTE development in more than 10% of immunotherapy-treated patients and increased VTE risk in patients with poorer ECOG status. With the asymptomatic nature of VTEs in most cases, a high index of suspicion level for VTE is required in patients treated with immunotherapy.

Challenging anticoagulation cases: A case of incidental subsegmental pulmonary embolism in a patient with cancer

Cancer therapy and progress in quality of imaging technologies for cancer surveillance and staging are in cause for the increase incidence of smaller incidental pulmonary embolism (PE). The clinical significance of incidental subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) is hard to define, balancing between possible false positive result, hypercoagulability signal, and truly venous thromboembolism (VTE) event. Evidence for optimal management of such findings are largely extrapolated from symptomatic SSPE in non-cancer patients and from symptomatic, more proximal PE in cancer patients. Current practice guidelines vary but some suggest withholding anticoagulation in selected patients. However, most SSPEs, incidental or not, should be treated as any other cancer-associated PE due to likely similar prognosis. Choice and duration of anticoagulation are extended from existing knowledge on more proximal PE.

Prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis

Cancer is a hypercoagulable state with an associated increased risk of venous thromboembolism (vte) that is further amplified in individuals who undergo chemotherapy. Compared with patients having cancer alone or vte alone, patients who develop cancer-associated vte have a significantly poorer prognosis. The risks of recurrent vte despite appropriate anticoagulation therapy and of bleeding are also higher in patients with cancer than in those without. For those reasons, the prevention and appropriate management of cancer-associated thrombosis is of paramount importance. Although low-molecular-weight heparin has been the standard of care for the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis, direct oral anticoagulants are increasingly being adopted as an effective and safe alternative.

Incidental pulmonary embolism in oncologic patients-a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE) is a common finding on computed tomography (CT). IPE is frequent in oncologic patients undergoing staging CT. The aim of this analysis was to provide the pooled frequency of IPE and frequencies of IPE in different primary tumors.

Methods

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were screened for studies investigating frequency of IPE in oncologic staging CT up to February 2020. Overall, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included into the present study.

Results

The pooled analysis yielded a total of 28,626 patients. IPE was identified in 963 patients (3.36%, 95% CI = 3.15; 3.57). The highest frequency was found in prostate cancer (8.59%, 95%CI = 3.74; 13.44), followed by hepatobiliary carcinoma (6.07%, 95%CI = 3.09; 9.05) and pancreatic cancer (5.65%, 95%CI = 3.54; 7.76). The lowest frequencies were identified in tumors of male reproductive organs (0.79%, 95%CI = 0.21; 1.37) and hematological diseases (1.11% 95%CI = 0.74; 1.48).

Conclusion

The overall frequency of IPE in oncologic patients was 3.36%. There are considerable differences in regard to primary tumors with the highest frequency in prostate cancer and pancreatic and hepatobiliary carcinomas.

Incidental findings on CT angiography of the head and neck in stroke patients. Evaluation of frequency and detection rate

OBJECTIVE

A comprehensive CT algorithm in suspected ischemic stroke consists of a native CT scan, CT perfusion imaging of the brain and a CT angiography from the aortic arch to the vertex. Besides core findings of the brain and targeted vessels, various other findings may be identified. We analyzed a large patient sample and estimated the frequency of incidental findings (IFs) and whether these findings were correctly mentioned in the radiological reports.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the time period between 01/16 and 02/19 the radiological database of one hospital containing 1625 patients admitted for stroke suspicion were retrospectively evaluated. In total 1175 patients with ischemic stroke CTs were included. IFs were classified according to Lumbreras et al. for their clinical relevance. The primary radiological report was used to classify, whether the finding was reported initially or not.

RESULTS

Overall, 1988 IFs were identified in 1175 patients (mean 1.7 findings per patient). The most frequent finding were thyroid incidentalomas with n = 461 (23.2 % of all findings), followed by signs of mucosal swelling and/or opacification of the nasal sinus (n = 391, 19.7 %). Regarding clinical relevance, 181 findings were of major relevance (9.1 % of all findings), 902 were of moderate relevance (45.4 %) and 905 were of minor relevance (45.5 %). Overall, 772 findings (38.8 %) were not reported and 1216 (61.2 %) were sufficiently reported by the radiologist.

CONCLUSION

The present study corroborates that incidental findings are frequent in patients undergoing ischemic stroke CT, which are about half of moderate and major relevance. About 40 % of these findings were not mentioned in the primary radiology report, including findings of high clinical relevance. The radiologist should be aware of these findings.

Venous Thromboembolism and Cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the epidemiology, current pathophysiologic understanding, and state-of-the-art treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

The risk of VTE varies among cancer patients. Recently introduced prediction models better identify those at high risk of VTE. New mechanisms underlying hypercoagulability in cancer have been uncovered. Initial data on the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with low-molecular weight heparin to treat VTE in patients with cancer are promising. However, they may be associated with higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. VTE causes significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Our understanding of the mechanisms of VTE, including those associated with cancer treatments, has significantly grown. The assessment of the benefit/risk balance of VTE treatment remains challenging in many patients with cancer. The introduction of DOACs has expanded treatment options, but knowledge on their efficacy and safety is incomplete.

Incidental venous thromboembolism: is anticoagulation indicated?

Patients with cancer have a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and about one-half of these events are incidentally detected. The prognosis of incidental VTE appears to be similar to symptomatic events, with comparably high rates of recurrent VTE in this patient population. In the absence of major contraindications, anticoagulant treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin for 3 to 6 months is generally recommended for incidental proximal deep vein thrombosis as well as for incidental pulmonary embolism that involves multiple subsegmental or more proximal pulmonary arteries. The decision of whether to extend treatment beyond 3 to 6 months should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after periodic reassessment of the risks factors for bleeding and recurrent VTE while also taking into account patient preferences. The clinical relevance of a single incidental subsegmental pulmonary embolism without concomitant deep vein thrombosis is uncertain and either a watchful approach or a shorter course of anticoagulation to minimize the bleeding risk may also be considered. Preliminary evidence suggests that anticoagulation treatment may be beneficial for cancer patients with incidental distal deep vein thrombosis or incidental splanchnic vein thrombosis.

Management of incidental pulmonary embolism

Incidental pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent finding on routine computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, occurring in 1.1% of coronary CT scans and 3.6% of oncological CT scans. Despite this high frequency, optimal management of incidental PE has not been addressed in clinical trials and remains the subject of debate. Although these CT scans have not been performed with a dedicated PE protocol and have suboptimal contrast enhancement, diagnosis of incidental PE has been shown to be accurate up to the segmental and subsegmental arteries. The embolic load in incidental PE is lower than that in symptomatic PE. Even so, observational studies suggest that the natural course of incidental PE is similar to that of symptomatic PE with regard to the risk of recurrent venous thrombotic disease and mortality. Interestingly, the increased use of more advanced CT technology has coincided with an increase in the rate of incidental subsegmental PE, as is the case for symptomatic subsegmental PE. Although clinical trials are lacking, and observational data are limited to cancer-associated incidental PE, the consensus is that the management of incidental PE is identical to that of symptomatic PE, including the choice of optimal drug class, outpatient treatment and total duration of treatment.

Low-dose CT pulmonary angiography on a 15-year-old CT scanner: a feasibility study

Background

Computed tomography (CT) low-dose (LD) imaging is used to lower radiation exposure, especially in vascular imaging; in current literature, this is mostly on latest generation high-end CT systems.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of reduced tube current on objective and subjective image quality of a 15-year-old 16-slice CT system for pulmonary angiography (CTPA).

Material and Methods

CTPA scans from 60 prospectively randomized patients (28 men, 32 women) were examined in this study on a 15-year-old 16-slice CT scanner system. Standard CT (SD) settings were 100 kV and 150 mAs, LD settings were 100 kV and 50 mAs. Attenuation of the pulmonary trunk, various anatomic landmarks, and image noise were quantitatively measured; contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were calculated. Three independent blinded radiologists subjectively rated each image series using a 5-point grading scale.

Results

CT dose index (CTDI) in the LD series was 66.46% lower compared to the SD settings (2.49 ± 0.55 mGy versus 7.42 ± 1.17 mGy). Attenuation of the pulmonary trunk showed similar results for both series (SD 409.55 ± 91.04 HU; LD 380.43 HU ± 93.11 HU; P = 0.768). Subjective image analysis showed no significant differences between SD and LD settings regarding the suitability for detection of central and peripheral PE (central SD/LD, 4.88; intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.894/4.83; ICC, 0.745; peripheral SD/LD, 4.70; ICC, 0.943/4.57; ICC, 0.919; all P > 0.4).

Conclusion

The LD protocol, on a 15-year-old CT scanner system without current high-end hardware or post-processing tools, led to a dose reduction of approximately 67% with similar subjective image quality and delineation of central and peripheral pulmonary arteries.

[Clinically relevant incidental cardiovascular findings in CT examinations]

BACKGROUND AND METHOD

Incidental cardiovascular findings are a frequent phenomenon in computed tomography (CT) examinations. As the result of a dedicated PubMed search this article gives a systemic overview of the current literature on the most important incidental cardiovascular findings, their prevalence and clinical relevance.

RESULTS

The majority of incidental cardiovascular findings are of only low clinical relevance; however, highly relevant incidental findings, such as aortic aneurysms, thromboses and thromboembolic events can also occasionally be found, especially in oncology patients.

CONCLUSION

The scans from every CT examination should also be investigated for incidental findings as they can be of decisive importance for the further clinical management of patients, depending on their clinical relevance.

Incidental findings in the skeletal musculature on computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze intramuscular incidental findings identified on CT in a large patient cohort.

METHODS

In the time period from 2010 to 2015, a total of 44,794 patients with several diagnoses were investigated by CT. Only those patients who underwent body CT including the neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvic regions after the i.v. application of a contrast medium were involved in the study. There were 4085 patients. On further analysis, only patients with intramuscular findings (IFs) incidentally detected on CT were included. Osseous or soft-tissue lesions with invasion into the musculature were excluded from the study. Patients with known or clinically suspicious muscle disorders were also excluded. Overall, 639 (15.64% of the 4085 analyzed cases) patients, 253 females and 386 males, with mean age 72.43 ± 12.02 years, were identified. Collected data were evaluated by means of descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In the 639 patients, 917 IFs were identified. More often, several benign disorders were diagnosed (n = 803, 87.6%). There were hernias (33.5%), atrophy of different muscles (22%), lipomas (21%), intramuscular calcifications (8.7%), bursitis (1.2%) and intramuscular bleeding (1.1%). Malignant IFs (n = 114, 12.4%) included intramuscular metastases (11.9%) and lymphomas (0.6%). Most frequently, the identified IFs were localized in the abdominal wall musculature, paravertebral and gluteal muscles. In 657 cases (71.6% of all IFs), the identified muscle findings were not diagnosed by the radiologist who initially assessed the investigation.

CONCLUSION

CT can detect different incidental disorders within the skeletal musculature. Most of them were benign. However, malignant lesions can also occur. Therefore, skeletal muscles should be carefully evaluated on CT performed for other reasons. Advances in knowledge: IFs occur in 15.6% of CT investigations. Benign findings represent 87.6% and malignant lesions can be identified in 12.4%.

The frequency of incidental pulmonary embolism in different CT examinations

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is commonly found in patients with oncologic and non-oncologic disease. The aim of the present study is to assess how frequently suspected, incidental and unreported PE occurs in particular CT examinations. In addition, differences in embolus distribution are to be considered.

METHODS

In a retrospective, single-centre study that covered a 5.5-year period, every contrast-enhanced CT examination was reviewed. The study group included 7238 patients with 11,747 CT examinations. A detailed pulmonary artery obstruction index (Mastora score) was used to assess thrombus mass and distribution.

RESULTS

PE frequency was 3.9% in oncologic patients and 6.6% in non-oncologic patients. PE was unsuspected in 54% of all PE events. Incidental PE was mostly often found in the following CT examinations: evaluation of acute pulmonary disease and follow-up staging. The thrombus mass was higher in non-oncologic patients than in oncologic patients. Furthermore, the thrombus mass was significantly lower in unsuspected PE than in suspected PE. In addition, the thrombus mass was significantly lower in unreported PE than in incidental PE.

CONCLUSION

The radiologist should pay special attention to pulmonary vessels, even when not asked for PE, in the following CT examinations: evaluation of acute pulmonary disease and follow-up staging.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Particular CT indications are associated with a high frequency of PE. Whether PE is suspected or not and found or not highly depends on thrombus mass.

Clinically Relevant Cardiovascular Findings Detected on Staging Computed Tomography in Patients with Several Malignancies

We evaluated the frequency and subtypes of clinically relevant cardiovascular (CV) findings identified on staging computed tomography (CT) in a large sample. Patients (n = 5026) with different malignant diseases were staged by CT. Clinically relevant CV findings (CRCFs) were included into the study. The CRCFs were defined as cardiac aneurysm, cardiac thrombus, venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, arterial dissection, pulmonary thromboembolism, arterial dissection, and dislocation of venous ports/central venous catheters. The CRCFs were identified in 342 patients (6.8% of all patients). Overall, 491 CRCFs were identified in the patients (1.4 per patient). In 203 (59.4%) patients, 1 CRCF; in 129, 2 (37.7%) CRCFs; and in 10 (2.9%) cases, 3 CRCFs were detected. There were incidental venous thrombosis (n = 298, 60.7% of all CRCFs), pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 84, 17.1%), arterial aneurysms (n = 44, 8.9%), arterial thrombosis (n = 43, 8.8%), heart thrombus (n = 15, 3.1%), arterial dissection (n = 3, 0.6%), heart aneurysms (n = 2, 0.4%), and port catheter dislocation (n = 2, 0.4%). The identified CRCF can be associated with potential hazardous complications. The CV system should be carefully evaluated in staging CT investigations.

Chest discomfort in a patient with cancer

Patients with cancer are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism than patients without cancer due to hypercoagulability associated with malignancy. This article describes a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who had chest pain over several weeks caused by multiple pulmonary emboli.

Cancer-associated unsuspected pulmonary embolism

Clinically unsuspected pulmonary embolism (UPE) is frequently diagnosed in cancer patients undergoing routine computed tomography scans for staging purposes or treatment response evaluation. The reported incidence of UPE ranges from 1% to 5% which probably represents an underestimation. A significant proportion of cancer patients with UPE actually do have pulmonary embolism (PE) related symptoms. However, these can erroneously be attributed to the cancer itself or to cancer therapy leading to a delayed or missed diagnosis. The incidence of UPE is likely to increase further with the improvements of imaging techniques. Radiologic features of UPE appear similar to symptomatic PE with nearly half of the UPE located in central pulmonary arteries and one third involving both lungs. UPE in cancer patients is not a benign condition with rates of recurrent venous thromboembolic events, bleeding and a mortality rate comparable to cancer patients with symptomatic PE. Current guidelines suggest that UPE should receive similar initial and long-term anticoagulant treatment as for symptomatic PE. However, direct evidence regarding the treatment of UPE is scarce and treatment indications are largely derived from studies performed in cancer patients with symptomatic venous thromboembolism. Selected subgroups of cancer patients with UPE such as those with sub-segmental UPE may be treated conservatively by withholding anticoagulation and avoiding the associated bleeding risk, although this requires further evaluation.

Pulmonary embolism as the initial presentation of testicular carcinoma

Objective. The risk of pulmonary embolism is well recognized as showing an increase in oncological patients. We report a case presenting with pulmonary embolism initially, which was then diagnosed with testicular cancer. Clinical Presentation and Intervention. A 25-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with a complaint of dyspnoea. Thoracic tomography, lung ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy, and an increased D-dimer level revealed pulmonary embolism. For the aetiology of pulmonary embolism, a left orchiectomy was performed and the patient was diagnosed with a germinal cell tumour of the testicle. Conclusion. In this paper, we present a patient for whom pulmonary embolism was the initial presentation, and a germinal cell tumour was diagnosed later during the search for the aetiology.