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Makowska A, Treumann T, Venturini S, Christ M. Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: A Review for Clinical Practitioners. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2863. [PMID: 38792409 PMCID: PMC11121909 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102863] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in pregnancy with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. European and other international professional societies have proposed various recommendations that are ambiguous, probably due to the unavailability of randomized controlled trials. In the following sections, we discuss the supporting diagnostic steps and treatments. We suggest a standardized diagnostic work-up in pregnant patients presenting with symptoms of PE to make evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. We strongly recommend that clinical decisions on treatment in pregnant patients with intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary embolism should include a multidisciplinary team approach involving emergency physicians, pulmonologists, angiologist, cardiologists, thoracic and/or cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, and obstetricians to choose a tailored management option including an interventional treatment. It is important to be aware of the differences among guidelines and to assess each case individually, considering the specific views of the different specialties. This review summarizes key concepts of the diagnostics and acute management of pregnant women with suspected PE that are supportive for the clinician on duty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Makowska
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (S.V.); (M.C.)
- Cardiology, Hospital Centre of Biel, 2501 Biel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Treumann
- Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland;
| | - Stefan Venturini
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (S.V.); (M.C.)
| | - Michael Christ
- Emergency Department, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland; (S.V.); (M.C.)
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Truong RD, Cheyney S, Vo M, Garcia J, Desai NN, Kropf J, Hassanein H. Successful Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy with Catheter-Directed Embolectomy. AJP Rep 2024; 14:e140-e144. [PMID: 38736706 PMCID: PMC11087143 DOI: 10.1055/a-2299-4026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with approximately 10.5% of maternal deaths in the United States. Despite heightened awareness of its mortality potential, there islittle data available to guide its management in pregnancy. We present the case of a massive PE during gestation successfully treated with catheter-directed embolectomy. Case Presentation A 37-year-old G2P1001 presented with a syncopal episode preceded by dyspnea and chest pain. Upon presentation, she was hypotensive, tachycardiac, and hypoxic. Imaging showed an occlusive bilateral PE, right heart strain, and a possible intrauterine pregnancy. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin was positive. She was taken emergently for catheter-directed embolectomy. Her condition immediately improved afterward. Postprocedure pelvic ultrasound confirmed a viable intrauterine pregnancy at 10 weeks gestation. She was discharged with therapeutic enoxaparin and gave birth to a healthy infant at 38 weeks gestation. Conclusion Despite being the gold standard for PE treatment in nonpregnant adults, systemic thrombolysis is relatively contraindicated in pregnancy due to concern for maternal or fetal hemorrhage. Surgical or catheter-based thrombectomies are rarely recommended. Limited alternative options force their consideration, particularly in a hemodynamically unstable patient. Catheter-directed embolectomy can possibly bypass such complications. Our case exemplifies the consideration of catheter-directed embolectomy as the initial treatment modality of a hemodynamically unstable gestational PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D. Truong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
| | - Sarah Cheyney
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
| | - Mai Vo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
| | - Joel Garcia
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
| | - Neeraj N. Desai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Orlando, Florida
| | - Jacqueline Kropf
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Orlando Health Cancer Institute, Orlando, Florida
| | - Hatem Hassanein
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Orlando Health Cancer Institute, Orlando, Florida
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Hobohm L, Keller K, Konstantinides S. [Pulmonary embolism]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR HERZ THORAX UND GEFASSCHIRURGIE 2023; 37:133-142. [PMID: 37284023 PMCID: PMC10160724 DOI: 10.1007/s00398-023-00582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism is a frequent cardiovascular disease which in recent years has shown a reduction in the mortality but an increase in the incidence. Due to the optimization of clinical probability scores and the interpretation of the D‑dimer test, unnecessary examinations using computed tomography with respect to the exclusion of an acute pulmonary embolism can be avoided, also in pregnant women. The evaluation of the right ventricle contributes to a risk-adapted treatment. Treatment consists of anticoagulation, alone or in combination with reperfusion treatment, such as systemic thrombolysis and also catheter-assisted or surgical treatment. In addition to acute treatment of pulmonary embolisms, an adequate aftercare is important, particularly for the early detection of long-term sequelae. This review article summarizes the current recommendations of international guidelines for patients with pulmonary embolism, accompanied by clinical case examples and a critical discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hobohm
- Centrum für Thrombose und Hämostase, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
- Kardiologie I, Zentrum für Kardiologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Karsten Keller
- Centrum für Thrombose und Hämostase, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
- Kardiologie I, Zentrum für Kardiologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
- Innere Medizin VII, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
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Poor H, Serrao G, Grapsa J, Chandrashekhar YS, Bianco A, Lookstein RA, Fuster V. High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism During Labor: JACC Patient Care Pathways. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 81:283-291. [PMID: 36265527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
While in labor, a 37-year-old woman developed acute dyspnea, hypoxemia, and tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated severe right ventricular dilation and dysfunction, raising the suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism. The patient indeed had bilateral pulmonary embolism, necessitating percutaneous thrombectomy. Her course was complicated by another saddle pulmonary embolus, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and COVID-19 infection. This clinical case illustrates the importance of prompt diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in a peripartum female patient, the multidisciplinary approach of management, and how to approach clinical complications such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, long-term management in acute pulmonary embolism is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Poor
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Gregory Serrao
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julia Grapsa
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust, Long, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angela Bianco
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert A Lookstein
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular, and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Valentin Fuster
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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[Pulmonary embolism]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 64:40-49. [PMID: 36625924 PMCID: PMC9838347 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-022-01460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary embolism is a frequent cardiovascular disease which in recent years has shown a reduction in the mortality but an increase in the incidence. Due to the optimization of clinical probability scores and the interpretation of the D‑dimer test, unnecessary examinations using computed tomography with respect to the exclusion of an acute pulmonary embolism can be avoided, also in pregnant women. The evaluation of the right ventricle contributes to a risk-adapted treatment. Treatment consists of anticoagulation, alone or in combination with reperfusion treatment, such as systemic thrombolysis and also catheter-assisted or surgical treatment. In addition to acute treatment of pulmonary embolisms, an adequate aftercare is important, particularly for the early detection of long-term sequelae. This review article summarizes the current recommendations of international guidelines for patients with pulmonary embolism, accompanied by clinical case examples and a critical discussion.
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Farmakis IT, Barco S, Hobohm L, Braekkan SK, Connors JM, Giannakoulas G, Hunt BJ, Keller K, Mavromanoli AC, Trinchero A, Konstantinides SV, Valerio L. Maternal mortality related to pulmonary embolism in the United States, 2003-2020. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100754. [PMID: 36155111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100754] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Western countries. In the United States, pulmonary embolism-related mortality rates have plateaued in the general population after an initial decrease in the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the changes in pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality rates in the United States over the past 2 decades. STUDY DESIGN In this epidemiologic study of public vital registration data (death certificates encompassing underlying and contributing causes of death) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Multiple Cause of Death database (2003-2020), we identified all maternal deaths with a pulmonary embolism code listed in any position of the death certificates. We investigated the changes in annual crude pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality rates for the years 2003 to 2020, considering the effect of the introduction of the pregnancy checkbox in death certificates on the pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality rates. RESULTS Overall, 735 pulmonary embolism-related maternal deaths out of 12,871 total maternal deaths (5.7%) were recorded between 2003 and 2020; the overall pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality rate was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.10) per 100,000 live births. The pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality rate increased from 0.93 in 2003 to 1.96 in 2020; however, when accounting for the implementation of the pregnancy checkbox in the death certificates, the trends in pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality were largely unchanged from 2003 to 2020. The crude pulmonary embolism-related maternal mortality rates differed across maternal age groups (overall 0.61, 1.09, and 3.83 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for those aged ≤24, 25-39, and ≥40 years, respectively) and racial/ethnicity groups (2.89, 0.47, 0.77, and 0.63 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for Black non-Hispanics, other non-Hispanics, White non-Hispanics, and Hispanics, respectively). CONCLUSION Maternal mortality rates related to pulmonary embolism did not decrease during the period from 2003 to 2020, as opposed to mortality rates related to pulmonary embolism in the general population. More research is required to assess whether improvement in venous thromboembolism prevention and pulmonary embolism diagnosis and management strategies might reduce death owing to pulmonary embolism in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis T Farmakis
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio)
| | - Stefano Barco
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio); Department of Angiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (Dr Barco)
| | - Lukas Hobohm
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio); Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Hobohm, Keller, and Valerio)
| | - Sigrid K Braekkan
- Thrombosis Research Center (TREC), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Dr Braekkan); Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway (Dr Braekkan)
| | - Jean M Connors
- Hematology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr Connors)
| | - George Giannakoulas
- Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece (Dr Giannakoulas)
| | - Beverley J Hunt
- St Thomas' Hospital Thrombosis and Haemophilia Centre and Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Group, Guy's and St Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom (Dr Hunt)
| | - Karsten Keller
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio); Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Hobohm, Keller, and Valerio); Medical Clinic VII, Department of Sports Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (Dr Keller)
| | - Anna C Mavromanoli
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio)
| | - Alice Trinchero
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (Dr Trinchero)
| | - Stavros V Konstantinides
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio); Department of Cardiology, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece (Dr Konstantinides)
| | - Luca Valerio
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Farmakis, Barco, Hobohm, Keller, Mavromanoli, Konstantinides, and Valerio); Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany (Drs Hobohm, Keller, and Valerio).
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Poor H, Serrao G, Grapsa J, Chandrashekhar Y, Bianco A, Lookstein RA, Fuster V. High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism During Labor: JACC Patient Care Pathways. JACC Case Rep 2022; 6:101650. [PMID: 36704055 PMCID: PMC9871077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
While in labor, a 37-year-old woman developed acute dyspnea, hypoxemia, and tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated severe right ventricular dilation and dysfunction, raising the suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism. The patient indeed had bilateral pulmonary embolism, necessitating percutaneous thrombectomy. Her course was complicated by another saddle pulmonary embolus, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and COVID-19 infection. This clinical case illustrates the importance of prompt diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in a peripartum female patient, the multidisciplinary approach of management, and how to approach clinical complications such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, long-term management in acute pulmonary embolism is presented.
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Key Words
- CT, computed tomography
- CTA, computed tomography angiogram
- CTPA, computed tomography pulmonary angiography
- ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
- HIT, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- LV, left ventricle
- PE, pulmonary embolism
- PVR, pulmonary vascular resistance
- RV, right ventricle
- SBP, systolic blood pressure
- TTE, transthoracic echocardiogram
- multimodality imaging
- pregnancy
- pulmonary embolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Poor
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr Hooman Poor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10 East 102nd Street, New York, New York 10029, USA. @jgrapsa
| | - Gregory Serrao
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julia Grapsa
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust, Long, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angela Bianco
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert A. Lookstein
- Department of Diagnostic, Molecular, and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Valentin Fuster
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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