Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

Background and Objective.— The occurrence of cerebral venous thrombosis has been reported among patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension, but a causal relationship has not been clearly established. We reviewed our experience with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and cerebral venous thrombosis and we reviewed the relevant literature to evaluate the relationship between these 2 entities. Methods.— We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of a consecutive group of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension evaluated at a tertiary care center between 1/1/2001 and 12/31/2007. The main search strategy was a systemic review of journal articles in MEDLINE (1966 to January 2008). Results.— Among 141 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension, 3 (2.1%) were also diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis. Among these 3 patients and the 17 reported in the literature there were 11 men and 9 women with a mean age of 39.5 years. Radiographic or clinical evidence for spontaneous intracranial hypotension preceding cerebral venous thrombosis was found in most patients, while there was no evidence for cerebral venous thrombosis preceding spontaneous intracranial hypotension in any patient. Eight (40%) of the 20 patients were found to have a change in their headache pattern believed to be due to the development of cerebral venous thrombosis. Complications of cerebral venous thrombosis, eg, cerebral venous infarction, occurred in 8 patients (40%). Conclusions.— Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a risk factor for cerebral venous thrombosis, but cerebral venous thrombosis is found in only about 2% of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. A change in headache pattern is not a reliable predictor of the development of cerebral venous thrombosis in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.     

Inherited risk factors for venous thromboembolism: implications for clinical practice

Each year, thrombosis in the deep veins of the lower extremities occurs in 1 of every 1000 Americans (1). Although most cases of venous thrombosis are not fatal, death from pulmonary embolism can be expected in 1% to 2% of all patients, and as many as 25% of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) will suffer the chronic effects of postthrombotic syndrome. Thus, identification of high-risk patients with genetic predispositions to thrombosis is an important clinical goal, particularly among individuals with recurrent DVT.     

Inherited risk factors for venous thromboembolism: implications for clinical practice

Each year, thrombosis in the deep veins of the lower extremities occurs in 1 of every 1000 Americans (1). Although most cases of venous thrombosis are not fatal, death from pulmonary embolism can be expected in 1% to 2% of all patients, and as many as 25% of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) will suffer the chronic effects of postthrombotic syndrome. Thus, identification of high-risk patients with genetic predispositions to thrombosis is an important clinical goal, particularly among individuals with recurrent DVT.     

Preventing and Recognizing Venous Thromboembolism After Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgery

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a hypercoagulable disorder that is associated with two potential significant complications—deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE). During pregnancy and the postpartum period, the risk for VTE is increased. Prevention is optimal, but early detection and treatment of VTE in women after obstetric and gynecologic surgery is imperative, as DVT is often asymptomatic and, in many patients, clinical presentation only occurs after a fatal PE occurs.     

Prevention of venous thrombosis: role of heparins

Prevention of venous thromboembolism is of major importance because deep vein thrombosis is an economic burden. To prevent pulmonary embolism, whether fatal or not, and the postphlebitic syndrome, virtually all patients' level of risk should be assessed in order to provide adequate prophylactic measures against venous thromboembolism. Non-pharmacological, pharmacological or combined modalities can reduce the frequency of venous thrombosis. Evidence-based guidelines are available for most situations in surgical patients. However, in medical patients there are fewer data and there are wide variations of opinion. Systematic reviews should be performed and updated to obtain practice guidelines. Cost and effectiveness as well as patients' preferences should be taken into account. Randomized control trials are ongoing: low-molecular-weight heparins are being evaluated in general medical patients; other forms of prophylaxis or combined methods are also being investigated.     

下腔静脉滤器置入术在下肢深静脉血栓治疗中的应用

目的：探讨下腔静脉滤器在治疗下肢深静脉血栓中的应用价值。方法：19例下肢深静脉血栓患者，经股静脉或颈静脉途径成功置入下腔静脉滤器，随访4～36个月。结果：无致死性肺动脉栓塞发生，无滤器移位，l例患者术后2个月时出现下腔静脉血栓形成。结论：下腔静脉滤器置入方法简单，安全，可有效防止肺动脉栓塞的发生，但应严格掌握适应证。     

Outcomes after withholding anticoagulation from patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism and negative computed tomographic findings: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of withholding anticoagulation from patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism in whom computed tomographic (CT) findings are interpreted as negative for pulmonary embolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 1512 consecutive patients referred from August 7, 1997, to November 30, 1998, for CT because of clinically suspected acute pulmonary embolism. All patients were examined by electron beam CT, and scanning was performed in a cephalocaudad direction from the top of the aortic arch to the base of the heart with 3-mm collimation, 2-mm table incrementation, and an exposure time of 0.2 second (130 peak kV, 620 mA, and standard reconstruction algorithm). Contrast material was infused at a rate of 3 to 4 mL/s through an antecubital vein with an automated injector. Findings on CT were interpreted as either positive or negative. The main outcome measures were deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and vital status within 3 months after the CT scan and the cause of death based on medical record review, mailed patient questionnaires, and telephone interviews. RESULTS: In 1010 patients (67%) CT scans were interpreted as negative for acute pulmonary embolism. Seventeen patients were excluded because they received anticoagulation. Of the remaining 993 patients, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism developed in 8; 118 patients died, 3 of pulmonary embolism. Nineteen patients were known to be alive, but additional clinical information could not be obtained. The 3-month cumulative incidence of overall deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was 0.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.1%-1.0%) and of fatal pulmonary embolism, 0.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.0%-0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of (1) overall deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism or (2) fatal pulmonary embolism among patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism, negative CT results, and no other evidence of venous thromboembolism is low. Withholding anticoagulation in these patients appears to be safe.     

Thrombin generation and venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism is a chronic and potential fatal disease. Determination of recurrence risk is time-consuming and costly, and sometimes not feasible: many patients carry more than one risk factor, the relevance of some factors with regard to risk of recurrence is unknown, and existence of thus far unknown risk factors must be considered. A laboratory assay that measures multifactorial thrombophilia would be useful to identify patients at risk of thrombosis. The process of thrombin generation is the central event of the hemostatic process. Thrombin generation is increased in patients at risk of thrombosis including those with antithrombin deficiency or those who are taking hormonal contraceptives. Risk of first and recurrent venous thrombosis is higher in patients with increased thrombin generation. Thus, by use of a simple global marker of coagulation stratification of patients according to their risk of thrombosis is possible. Future studies are needed to improve the management of patients with VTE and increased thrombin generation.     

The optimal treatment of venous thrombosis: current status and future perspectives

Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities is a serious and potentially fatal disorder, which often complicates the course of hospitalized patients but may also affect ambulatory and otherwise healthy people. Venous thrombosis is uncommon in young individuals and becomes more frequent with advancing age. The clinically important problems associated with venous thrombosis are death from pulmonary embolism, morbidity resulting from the acute event, recurrent venous thromboembolic events, the post-thrombotic syndrome, and the inconvenience and side-effects of investigations and treatment. The main objectives of treatment of DVT are prevention of (both fatal and nonfatal) pulmonary embolism and thrombus extension in the acute phase of the disease, prevention of recurrences of venous thromboembolism in the months following the acute episode, and prevention of late sequelae (post-thrombotic syndrome). These objectives are satisfactorily achieved with anticoagulant drugs (heparin and vitamin K antagonists), which therefore are the mainstays of DVT treatment. Other therapeutic options have a more limited application.     

Sonography for deep venous thrombosis: current and future applications

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a one of the most common problems facing the clinician in medicine today. It is often asymptomatic and goes undiagnosed with potentially fatal consequences. Ultrasound has become the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis and with proper attention to technique sensitivity of this test is approximately 97%. An understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, and risk factors is important. Thrombus formation usually begins beneath a valve leaflet below the knee. Approximately 40% will resolve spontaneously, 40% will become organized, and 20% will propagate. Whether or not a calf vein thrombus is identified, a repeat examination in 7 to 10 days is recommended in patients with risk factors or when deep venous thrombosis is suspected. The three main risk factors for thrombus formation are age greater than 75 years, previous history of deep venous thrombosis, and underlying malignancy. Other diagnostic studies include the contrast venogram, CT or MRI venogram, Tc99m Apcitide study, and the laboratory test D-Dimer. The D-Dimer study is being used more frequently as a screening test with 99% sensitivity in detecting thrombus, whether deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. However, specificity is only approximately 50% with many conditions leading to false-positive exams. Therefore, a negative examination is useful in avoiding other diagnostic studies, but a positive one may be misleading. Conditions that can lead to a false-positive examination include, but are not limited to diabetes, pregnancy, liver disease, heart conditions, recent surgery, and some gastrointestinal diseases. Like the sonogram, two negative D-Dimer studies a week apart exclude the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. Compression sonography with color Doppler remains the best overall test for deep venous thrombosis. It is easy to perform, less expensive than most "high tech" studies, can be performed as a portable examination, and is highly reliable when done properly.     

Prophylaxis and therapy of venous thromboembolism.

Heparin is an anticoagulant drug which is used for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism and for the treatment of some cases of arterial thromboembolism. Venous thromboembolism is the commonest preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients, and the best approach to reduce its morbidity and mortality is the use of safe, effective, prophylaxis in patients at high risk. The use of low doses of heparin given s.c. (5000 units, 8 hourly)) has been shown in prospective clinical trials to be effective prophylaxis against venous thrombosis and nonfatal and fatal pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing general abdominothoracic surgery, without producing dangerous bleeding. Low-dose heparin, however, is not totally effective in patients undergoing hip surgery and suprapubic prostatectomy. The lack of benefit in these patients may be related to the intensity of the provocation to thrombosis. The use of heparin in large doses to treat thrombosis is associated with hemorrhagic complications in up to 30% of patients. There is evidence that continuous i.v. heparin is associated with fewer hemorrhagic complications than intermittent i.v. heparin, but the frequency is not related to the dose or to the use of laboratory monitoring. Hemorrhagic complications occur more frequently in elderly patients and in females and is more common following surgical operations. The frequency of recurrent venous thromboembolism is low in patients on therapeutic doses of heparin, and there is no difference in the frequency of recurrence in patients receiving heparin by continuous i.v. or intermittent i.v. administration.     

Controversies in pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis

The diagnosis of venous thromboembolic disease, and pulmonary embolism in particular, remains problematic. Physicians should strongly consider empiric anticoagulation if the best available diagnostic tests are inconclusive, because treatment is usually safe and successful. Twice-daily subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin, dosed without monitoring, may eventually replace standard heparin for most treatment of venous thromboembolism, but it is not yet labeled for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. Deep venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism should be treated with anticoagulants rather than inferior vena cava filters, even in oncology patients, unless anticoagulation is contraindicated; if so, when the contraindication remits, anticoagulation should be employed. The most effective prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in at-risk patients should be used, with prolonged duration if evidence from clinical trials supports efficacy and safety. Low-dose warfarin should be used to prevent venous thrombosis and indwelling central venous catheter thrombosis in patients with cancer.     

Risk assessment of recurrence of venous thromboembolism

Recurrent venous thromboembolism is associated with increased mortality in 5-9% of the patients. On the other hand prolonged anticoagulation can increase the bleeding risk which can also be responsible for an increased mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to validate the recurrence risk of venous thromboembolism on an individual basis. In this review the most relevant risk factors for recurrent venous thromboembolism are analyzed. Spontaneous thrombosis is associated with significantly increased recurrence rates in comparison to risk associated venous thrombosis. In addition, a positive D-dimer result after stop of anticoagulation, an increased amount of residual thrombus in proximal veins analyzed by compression sonography, a proximal localization of thrombosis, symptomatic pulmonary embolism and male sex are clinically relevant risk factors for increased recurrence rates. While mild thrombophilic defects like heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation are not associated with a clinically relevant recurrence risk, inherited inhibitor deficiencies and the antiphospholipid-syndrome are known to be responsible for an increased recurrence rate of venous thromboembolism. A new recurrence risk-score (RR-Score) for individual judgement of patients with a first spontaneous venous thrombosis is introduced.     

围手术期患者静脉血栓分级护理防治研究

目的探讨围手术期患者静脉血栓预防的分级护理方法,为静脉血栓的预防提供实证依据。方法 2009年5月-2012年1月,以某市级乙等综合性医院各科室手术患者为对象,引入量化工具评估患者围手术期静脉血栓发生的危险,并根据评估结果采取分级护理方法进行防治,并在患者出院时用彩色多普勒超声判断是否存在静脉血栓,以验证分级护理防治效果。结果纳入的318患者经评估均存在发生静脉血栓的风险,其中低度危险患者65例,中度182例,高度危险71例。经分级护理治疗,出院时均未发生静脉血栓症状、肺栓塞。结论分级护理方法安全、简便,可操作性强,便于围手术期患者静脉血栓的早期、普遍预防,值得推广。     

Pulmonary embolism update. Lessons for the '90s

Pulmonary embolism continues to be an underdiagnosed, potentially fatal problem. Because clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is notoriously inaccurate, clinical suspicions must always be confirmed with objective studies. Evaluation generally begins with ventilation-perfusion lung scanning. Further evaluation is usually unnecessary if the lung scan is interpreted as normal (diagnosis excluded) or high-probability (diagnosis accepted). However, if the lung scan is indeterminate (referring to all other interpretations), additional diagnostic studies are usually required. Newer trends in the management of pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis include a more aggressive initial regimen of heparin; simultaneous administration of warfarin with heparin, resulting in a shorter duration of heparin therapy; use of the international normalized ratio to monitor warfarin therapy; and use of a less intense warfarin regimen. Adjusted-dose subcutaneous heparin therapy and low-intensity warfarin therapy are newer prophylactic techniques for patients at moderate to high risk for deep venous thrombosis.     

腔静脉滤器植入联合足背静脉溶栓治疗下肢深静脉血栓

目的评价腔静脉滤器植入联合足背静脉溶栓在下肢深静脉血栓（DVT）治疗中的疗效。方法 2006年12月-2009年10月,对26例下肢深静脉血栓患者行下腔静脉滤器植入术,并结合足背静脉溶栓治疗。结果 26例患者均未出现大出血和致死性肺动脉栓塞等严重并发症,彩色多普勒超声显示17例患者下肢DVT完全溶解,11例部分溶解。结论介入性综合治疗下肢DVT是一种安全可行、疗效好的方法。     

Urethral Diverticulum in the Female

A single sympathetic block produced complete relief of pain in 90.1 per cent of a series of cases of thrombophlebitis; a second block relieved pain in the remainder. Phlebothrombosis, the other major type of venous thrombosis, is more difficult to diagnose ad is potentially fatal. It is more common among nonsurgical patients than among surgical ones. It demands immediate treatment to prevent fatal embolism. In the author's opinion, the diagnosis of phlebothrombosis takes precedence over every other emergency except massive bleeding. Placing a ligature between the clot and the heart is the only effective means of preventing fatal embolism.     

The hidden risk of deep vein thrombosis--the need for risk factor assessment: case reviews

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very serious, potentially fatal, and very preventable medical condition. It is important for all patients admitted to the hospital to be screened for the risk of developing a DVT. This could be easily accomplished by performing a risk factor assessment-screening tool on all patients. It is also important to educate the medical and nursing staff on the fact that all patients are at risk for developing DVT, not just surgical patients who are often believed to be at the highest risk of DVT. The implementation of the risk factor assessment could potentially save lives and reduce the hospital costs of treating and managing the complications of DVT and venous thromboembolic disease. The cases chosen for review in this article will demonstrate many risk factors that often go overlooked in nonsurgical patients. The implementation of a risk factor assessment tool could potentially aid in the recognition and appropriate prophylaxis of those patients who are at extremely high risk for DVT. Without appropriate recognition of the risk for DVT, patients may be placed at risk for DVT and the potentially fatal and/or debilitating complications associated with the development of DVT.     

Hypercoagulability. Should every patient with venous thrombosis be tested?

Tests for anticoagulant protein deficiencies have a low predictive value for venous thrombosis in the general population. Such testing should be done only in patients with recurrent thrombosis, a family history of thrombosis, or atypical features such as young age at presentation or unusual site. Decreased fibrinolysis is another defect often seen in patients with venous thrombosis, but it lacks sufficient specificity to have a high predictive value. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies has a fairly high predictive value, and testing beyond the partial thromboplastin time may be justified in patients who have (1) arterial thrombosis or (2) a history of fetal demise or recurrent spontaneous abortions.     

Traumatic intracerebral venous thrombosis associated with an abnormal golf swing

OBJECTIVES: To describe the occurrence of cerebral venous thrombosis in a 40-year-old man whose cerebral event was induced by a poor golf swing, to review the literature on possible mechanisms producing venous thrombosis, and to compare this case with the literature. BACKGROUND: Headache is the most frequent symptom in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. However, patients presenting with a headache due to cerebral venous thrombosis are uncommon. The known risk factors for thrombosis include both acquired and genetic factors. When the interaction of these two groups occurs, the magnitude of this interaction is thought to produce a dynamic state that can favor thrombosis. Our case report illustrates that moderate levels of anticardiolipin antibodies together with the mild trauma of a golf swing can induce a cerebral venous thrombosis. This case also suggests that although headache is rarely due to cerebral venous thrombosis, it should be excluded by good medical acumen and testing. RESULTS: Minor trauma induced by a poor golf swing was chronologically related to the development of a progressive cerebral venous thrombosis. The patient had none of the risk factors associated with a predisposition to venous thrombosis: hypercoagulable state, concurrent infection, pregnancy/puerperium, collagen vascular disorder, malignancy, migraine, false-positive VDRL, previous deep vein thrombosis, renal disease, factor V Leiden, or a hematological disorder. There was no anatomical abnormality that would predispose the patient to a cerebral venous thrombosis. The only laboratory abnormality was a moderate anticardiolipin antibody level (25 GPL). The patient was placed on warfarin sodium therapy and is currently without clinical sequela from the venous thrombotic event. CONCLUSIONS: Under certain circumstances, minor trauma can induce cerebral venous thrombosis. A review of the literature indicates that cerebral venous thrombosis in the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus is a rare event. Previously, only major traumatic events have been reported to be associated with cerebral venous thromboses. The chronological development of cerebral venous thrombosis after a faulty golf swing strongly indicates that given a background of moderate levels of anticardiolipin antibodies, even minor trauma can induce a venous thrombotic event.