Recurrent venous thrombosis including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a patient taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction

Acquired or hereditary prothrombotic risk factors may lead to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), particularly when other predisposing factors coexist. A 57-year-old man experienced right leg deep venous thrombosis, severe thrombosis of the haemorrhoid plexus and CVST over a 12-month period during which he was taking sildenafil regularly twice a week. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)-inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction (ED). A slight reduction in antithrombin III and free protein S levels was demonstrated. After suspension of sildenafil and six months on oral anticoagulants, clinical improvement was obtained. Recurrent venous thrombosis, including CVST, may complicate prolonged treatment with PDE5-inhibitors in subjects at risk. Periodic monitoring of clotting factors is recommended in these subjects.     

The clinical spectrum of intracerebral hematoma, hemorrhagic infarct, non-hemorrhagic infarct, and non-lesional venous stroke in patients with cerebral sinus-venous thrombosis

Background and purpose: The clinical spectrum of different neuroradiological features of cerebral sinus–venous thrombosis (CSVT) varies considerably. We sought the relationship between different neuroradiological aspects and clinical presentations in these patients. Methods: The diagnosis of cerebral sinus–venous thrombosis has been confirmed by conventional angiography, MRI combined with MR venography following established diagnostic criteria. We analyzed clinical data, symptoms and signs, imaging findings, location and extent of the thrombus, and parenchymal lesions, retrospectively. Results: There were 220 consecutive patients with cerebral sinus–venous thrombosis; 98 (45%) had non‐lesional sinus–venous thrombosis (NL CSVT), 51 (23%) had non‐hemorrhagic infarct (NHI), 45 (20%) had hemorrhagic infarct (HI), and 26 (12%) had intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In patients with hemorrhagic lesion (HI+ICH), advanced age, headache (99%), behavioral disturbances (55%), consciousness disturbances (35%), seizures (41%), and language deficits (42%) were significantly higher than the other patients (NL+NHI) (P < 0.001). High blood pressure at admission, puerperium, sigmoid and straight sinus thrombosis, multiple sinus and vein involvement were more frequent in patients with hemorrhagic lesion than those with non‐hemorrhagic lesion. Patients with hemorrhagic lesion were more dependent or died (32%) than the other patients (12%) (P < 0.001), and most of the patients with NL and NHI had no disability compared with the other patients at the 3 month of follow‐up (96% and 65%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Headache, convulsion, behavioral disorder, seizures, and speech disorders were the most frequent clinical symptoms of patients with hemorrhagic CSVT. Specific risk factors, including pregnancy/puerberium, early and extended thrombosis of large sinus, and presence of high blood pressure at admission, are associated with hemorrhagic lesion and unfavorable outcome.     

Comparison of catheter-related large vein thrombosis in centrally inserted versus peripherally inserted central venous lines in the neurological intensive care unit

Objective

To compare cumulative complication rates of peripherally (PICC) and centrally (CICVC) inserted central venous catheters, including catheter-related large vein thrombosis (CRLVT), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and line insertion-related complications in neurological intensive care patients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study and detailed chart review for 431 consecutive PICCs and 141 CICVCs placed in patients under neurological intensive care from March 2008 through February 2010. Cumulative incidence of CRLVT, CLABSI, and line insertion-related complications were compared between PICC and CICVC groups. Risk factors for CRLVT including mannitol therapy during dwell time, previous history of venous thromboembolism, surgery longer than 1 h during dwell time, and line placement in a paretic arm were also compared between groups.

Results

During the study period, 431 unique PICCs were placed with cumulative incidence of symptomatic thrombosis of 8.4%, CLABSI 2.8%, and line insertion-related complications 0.0%. During the same period, 141 unique CICVCs were placed with cumulative incidence of symptomatic thrombosis of 1.4%, CLABSI 1.4%, and line insertion-related complications 0.7%. There was a statistically significant difference in CRLVT with no difference in CLABSI or line insertion-related complications.

Conclusions

In neurological critical care patients, CICVCs appear to have a better risk profile compared to PICCs, with a decreased risk of CRLVT. As use of PICCs in critical care patients increases, a prospective randomized trial comparing PICCs and CICVCs in neurological critical care patients is necessary to assist in choosing the appropriate catheter and to minimize risks of morbidity and mortality associated with central venous access.     

Risk of thromboembolism after cerebral venous thrombosis

The outcome of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) has been studied infrequently. We assessed the frequency of recurrence of cerebral or systemic thromboembolism and factors influencing recurrence. We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients with CVT in the period 1985-2002 who were admitted to the University Hospital Gasthuisberg. We performed a chart review and a semi-standardized telephone interview that focused on recurrent CVT or systemic thromboembolism. Fifty-four CVT patients with a mean age of 42 years were followed up for a mean of 3.5 years. Eighty percent were women. Coagulation disorders were found in 17 patients (31%). One patient (1.9%) had recurrent CVT and seven patients (12.9%) suffered systemic thromboembolism after a median of 2.5 months. Patients with recurrent thromboembolism more often had coagulopathies (P = 0.04) or a history of deep venous thrombosis (P = 0.007). Patients with early recurrent venous thromboembolism often were not treated with oral anticoagulants (P < 0.001). It was evident from the above study that a substantial number of patients suffer recurrent thromboembolism after CVT.     

Physiological role of alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor in rats

For understanding the physiological role of rat alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2-PI), the effect of alpha 2 PI deficiency on the fibrinolytic system was studied in rats in vitro and in vivo. Selective removal of alpha 2 PI from plasma was achieved in vitro and in vivo by immune complex formation with specific anti-rat alpha 2 PI rabbit gamma-globulin and the F(ab')2 fragments derived from specific anti-rat alpha 2 PI rabbit IgG, respectively. Depletion of alpha 2 PI from plasma resulted in almost complete loss of the fast-acting antiplasmin activity of the plasma and in a marked acceleration of urokinase-induced plasma clot lysis. A similar acceleration of thrombus dissolution was also observed, when a thrombus isolated from a thrombosed rat was incubated in alpha 2 PI-deficient serum in vitro. The effect was found to be inversely proportional to the alpha 2 PI levels in plasma or serum. When alpha 2 PI deficiency was induced in rats with experimental venous thrombosis, thrombus size was markedly decreased in association with elevation of serum fibrin degradation products and reduction of plasma plasminogen, indicating enhanced fibrinolysis in vivo. In addition, alpha 2 PI deficiency for a longer period induced a mild bleeding tendency at the sites of venipuncture. These results indicate that alpha 2 PI plays an important role as a stabilizer of fibrin in rats, as in humans.     

产褥期颅内静脉系统血栓形成临床分析

目的 探讨产褥期颅内静脉血栓形成的发病机制、临床表现及治疗对策。方法 回顾性分析2000年1月～2011年12月收治的46例产后颅内静脉血栓形成患者的临床资料,并进行归纳总结。结果 产后颅内静脉血栓形成患者以高颅内压及局灶性脑损伤为主要临床表现,经低分子肝素抗凝及对症治疗,患者症状均有改善。结论 对于存在静脉血栓形成风险的产褥期女性,应尽快完成相关检查,早诊断、早治疗,以期改善患者预后。     

Accuracy of strain-gauge plethysmography as a diagnostic test in clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis

Strain-gauge plethysmography (SGP) is currently employed in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but its accuracy has not been adequately tested. In this study we evaluated SGP against venography in 209 consecutive patients referred to us because of clinically suspected DVT of lower limbs. Venography was performed bilaterally if symptoms or signs suggesting DVT were present in both limbs. It was always performed after SGP and independently assessed. A total of 269 limbs could be evaluated with both SGP and venography, which disclosed DVT in 128 limbs of 110 patients. There were 109 proximal and 19 distal DVT. Out of the 128 limbs with DVT, SGP was positive in 114 (sensitivity = 89%) using Maximal Venous Outflow (MVO) as the diagnostic parameter, and positive in 116 (sensitivity = 91%) using an index obtained multiplying MVO for Venous Capacitance (VC). Out of the 141 venographically negative limbs, there were 6 false positive results using MVO and 9 using MVO X VC (specificity = 96% and 94% respectively). SGP sensitivity in acute proximal venous thrombosis was 97%, while it was about 60% in distal DVT. Most false positive results occurred in patients with edema of cardiac origin. SGP appears to be a useful diagnostic test in suspected DVT of lower limbs, particularly when both MVO and the index MVO X VC are used.     

脑静脉窦血栓的综合血管内治疗

目的评价综合应用颈动脉溶栓、静脉窦置管溶栓及静脉窦支架置入术治疗脑静脉窦血栓的疗效。方法对我科1997年7月～2005年6月收治的99例脑静脉窦血栓患者进行综合血管内治疗,其中5例患者接受静脉窦置管溶栓合并静脉窦支架置入术(方案1),38例患者接受颈动脉溶栓合并静脉窦置管溶栓(方案2),56例患者接受单纯颈动脉溶栓(方案3),观察3组患者的临床疗效。结果经治疗,99例患者中有94例颅内压降至300 mm H_2O, 75例患者静脉窦实现再通,93例患者循环时间降至11 s以下。结论综合应用颈动脉溶栓、静脉窦置管溶栓及静脉窦支架置入术等方法治疗脑静脉窦血栓是一种安全、有效的手段。     

重型颅脑损伤并发下肢深静脉血栓形成的诊治

目的 探讨重型颅脑损伤术后并发下肢深静脉血栓形成的诊治. 方法 回顾性分析解放军第一六三医院自2003年12月至2008年12月收治的37例重型颅脑损伤并发下肢深静脉血栓形成的患者的临床资料. 结果 37例患者均行抗凝治疗,其中溶栓治疗18例,下腔静脉滤器置入14例.1例患者死亡,其余36例患者下肢肿胀疼痛症状均缓解,其中治愈11例,显效21例,有效4例. 结论 重型颅脑损伤患者容易发生下肢深静脉血栓形成,彩色多普勒超声、静脉造影及数字减影血管造影能够有效地诊断深静脉血栓形成.深静脉血栓形成主要治疗方法 为抗凝治疗,下腔静脉滤器置入对防止肺栓塞发生有重要作用,早期预防至关重要.     

Performance of two relatively new quantitative D-dimer assays (Innovance D-dimer and AxSYM D-dimer) for the exclusion of deep vein thrombosis

Introduction

D-dimer assays are now widely used as the first-line test in the diagnostic algorithm of suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two relatively new quantitative D-Dimer assays (Innovance™ and AxSYM®) by comparison with a clinical gold standard.

Patients and methods

311 samples from outpatients with clinical suspicion of DVT, included in a prospective management study, was analysed (prevalence of DVT 23%). The diagnostic workup included estimation of pre-test probability, D-dimer determination, objective imaging as well as 3 month clinical follow up of negative patients.

Results

No significant differences were seen in sensitivity and negative predictive values between Innovance, AxSYM and the reference assays. The area under the ROC curve was slightly lower for the AxSYM assay and the correlation to the reference assays was only moderate (r < 0.8) whereas the agreement with the Vidas assay was near excellent (κ = 0.8). The Innovance assay reached the highest AUC, showed a strong correlation with the reference assays (r ≥ 0.9) and a good agreement with the Vidas assay (κ = 0.76). In combination with a low pre-test probability score the Innovance assay reached a NPV of 100% (95% CI, 92-100) and the AxSYM assay 98% (95% CI, 87-100).

Conclusion

The Innovance and AxSYM assays show an overall good and comparable performance for the exclusion of DVT when compared to the established assays. Our results for the AxSYM assay indicate that the optimal cut-off value needs to be further evaluated.     

Studies on the antithrombotic action of BOC-D-PHE-PRO-ARG-H (GYKI 14,451)

Gyki 14,451, a peptide antagonist of thrombin, was tested on an $\text{in vivo}$ model of venous thrombosis in the rat. At the 4 and 6 mg/kg i.v. doses, the compound caused a reduction of over 80% in the incidence of thrombus formation, also markedly reducing thrombus weight. Oral administration of Gyki 14,451 (50 and 50+50 mg/kg) did not induce a significant reduction either of thrombosis incidence or of thrombus weight.     

磁共振静脉血管成像在脑静脉窦血栓形成诊断中的应用

目的 评价2D-TOF法磁共振静脉血管成像(MRV)在脑静脉窦血栓形成(CVST)诊断中的价值。方法 对10例CVST患者进行2D-TOP法MRV检查，并与MRI和数字减影血管造影(DSA)结果进行对照研究。结果 10例患者均为多发性CVST，最常累及上矢状窦和横窦。在MRV上CVST的直接征像为发育正常的静脉窦不显影、狭窄或再通后的模糊影，间接征像为病变以远侧枝血管形成、深部静脉明显扩张或其他引流静脉显现。本组MRV结果与DSA比较具有较高的一致性，且在血管变异的鉴别及对血栓的动态观察上要优于DSA。结论 MRV可替代DSA作为CVST诊断和随访的首选检查方法。     

Anticardiolipin antibodies: a study in cerebral venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVES: Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) have been recognized as a marker for an increased risk of thrombosis. There are no documented reports from India on the prevalence of aCL in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Our study aimed at establishing the prevalence of these antibodies in patients with CVT and evaluating their clinical significance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with CVT diagnosed by angiography and/or cranial CT were investigated for the presence of aCL along with 31 age- and sex-matched normal controls. All subjects had no overt evidence of systemic lupus erythematosis or related autoimmune disorders. The titres of IgG and IgM type of aCL were estimated in the sera using a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Anticardiolipin antibodies were detected in 22.6% of CVT patients compared to 3.2% of normal controls (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 75.65). Five CVT patients had both IgG and IgM antibodies, and 2 had only IgG antibodies. The aCL positive group did not differ from the aCL-negative group with respect to the clinical characteristics and the demographic and risk factor profile. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that anticardiolipin antibodies are a risk marker for cerebral venous thrombosis. Further studies on a larger group of patients are needed to establish the role of aCL in the pathogenesis of CVT.     

Dural sinus thrombosis: a mechanism-based classification and review of 42 cases

Cranial venous outflow obstruction due to dural sinus thrombosis may result in venous hypertension, cerebral infarction, cerebral haemorrhage or impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption with consequent pseudotumour syndrome. We propose a mechanism based classification of dural sinus thrombosis from these four outcomes. Forty two cases of dural sinus thrombosis presenting to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 1986-1997 were retrospectively reviewed. These cases were classified according to mechanism of presentation and relevance of this to site of thrombosis, treatment and prognosis. This study shows that the superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus are the commonest sites of thrombosis, and multiple sites of thrombosis (69%) are more frequent than a single site. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with venous flow studies is the investigation of first choice for diagnosis but angiography remains the gold standard. A pseudotumour syndrome is the commonest presentation (43%) followed by cerebral haemorrhage (31%). The overall prognosis for sinus thrombosis is good, with 71% of cases recovering to normal function.     

自发性低颅压致脑静脉窦血栓形成合并多发梗死1例报道及文献复习

目的探讨自发性低颅压致脑静脉窦血栓形成患者的临床、影像学特点和发病机制。方法报道1例自发性低颅压致脑静脉窦血栓形成并脑内多发静脉性梗死患者的临床资料。结合临床、影像学特点及相关文献报道对其进行分析。结果自发性低颅压可导致脑静脉窦血栓形成。静脉系统扩张及血液瘀滞是血栓形成的主要机制。严重的血液瘀滞患者可出现多发皮质静脉性梗死,甚至脑干静脉性梗死,经治疗后多数患者症状消失。结论自发性低颅压是脑静脉窦血栓形成的重要危险因素。静脉性梗死可以出现在脑干。早期发现并治疗,多数患者预后良好。     

颅内静脉窦血栓形成的头痛特点分析

目的 通过分析颅内静脉窦血栓形成（cerebral venous sinus thrombosis,CVST）的病例,总结CVST患者 头痛的特点,提高神经科医师对该病的认识。 方法 收集2007年1月-2016年12月在北京大学第三医院就诊的CVST病例,回顾其头痛特点、临床表 现、影像学检查及化验结果,并复习相关文献进行分析总结。 结果 共入组18例CVST患者,本组CVST最常见的部位是横窦（77.8%,14/18）,其次为乙状窦（61.1%, 11/18）和上矢状窦（50%,9/18）;14例（77.8%）存在多个颅内静脉窦血栓。所有患者均以头痛为首 发症状,其中7例（38.9%）为单纯性头痛;11例合并其他临床症状,包括癫痫（38.9%,7/18）、呕吐 （44.4%,8/18）、肢体麻木（11.1%,2/18）、肢体无力（16.7%,3/18）、眼部症状（22.2%,4/18）以及 意识障碍（11.1%,2/18）。9例（50%）为偏侧头痛,其中8例（88.9%,8/9）存在同侧CVST;头痛视觉 模拟评分法（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分平均7.0分（3～10分）;头痛发病形式5例（27.8%）为急性, 12例（66.7%）为亚急性,1例（5.6%）为慢性。 结论 头痛是CVST最常见的首发症状,偏侧头痛CVST患者血栓以头痛同侧多见;头痛亚急性起病的 患者,尤其需注意CVST的可能性。     

Cerebral venous thrombosis and submandibular lithotripsy: A case report

We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis that developed after lithotripsy of the submandibular gland. Few cases of vessel thrombosis after lithotripsy have been reported in other organs, this is the unique cerebral case reported.