Prognostic Value of ECG Among Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Normal Blood Pressure

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of electrocardiography (ECG) alone or in combination with echocardiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and normal blood pressure.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients presenting to the emergency department at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi with the first episode of pulmonary embolism were included. Patients with systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg were excluded. ECG and echocardiography were performed within 1 hour from diagnosis and evaluated in a blinded fashion. Right ventricular strain was diagnosed in the presence of one or more of the following ECG findings: complete or incomplete right ventricular branch block, S1Q3T3, and negative T wave in V1-V4. The main outcome measurement was clinical deterioration or death during in-hospital stay. The association of variables with the main outcome was evaluated by multivariate Cox survival analysis.

Results

A total of 386 patients with proved pulmonary embolism were included in the study; 201 patients (52%) had right ventricular dysfunction according to echocardiography, and 130 patients (34%) showed right ventricular strain. Twenty-three patients (6%) had clinical deterioration or died. At multivariate survival analysis, right ventricular strain was associated with adverse outcome (hazard ratio 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.36) independently of echocardiographic findings. Patients with both right ventricular strain and right ventricular dysfunction (26%) showed an 8-fold elevated risk of adverse outcome (hazard ratio 8.47; 95% confidence interval, 2.43-29.47).

Conclusion

Right ventricular strain pattern on ECG is associated with adverse short-term outcome and adds incremental prognostic value to echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and normal blood pressure.     

超声心动图对急性肺栓塞患者预后的预测价值研究

目的探讨超声心动图对急性肺栓塞(APE)患者预后的预测价值。方法选择我院2005年1月—2009年3月收治的行超声心动图检查的APE患者63例,回顾性分析其病历资料及超声心动图检查结果,根据右室功能障碍(RVD)发生情况分为RVD组22例与非RVD组41例;根据右室舒张末直径与左室舒张末直径比值(RVED/LVED)分为RVED/LVED≥0.65组19例与RVED/LVED0.65组44例。比较各组住院期间病死率、住院期间不良事件发生率及随访3个月病死率。结果 RVD组与非RVD组住院期间病死率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);RVD组住院不良事件发生率、随访3个月病死率均高于非RVD组(P0.05)。RVED/LVED≥0.65组住院期间病死率、住院期间不良事件发生率、随访3个月病死率均高于RVED/LVED0.65组(P0.05);绘制ROC曲线发现,RVED/LVED预测APE患者住院期间死亡的最佳临界值为0.73,取最佳临界值时其灵敏度为71.4%,特异度为91.1%。结论存在RVD和/或RVED/LVED≥0.65(尤其是≥0.73)的APE患者住院期间病死率、住院期间不良事件发生率及随访3个月病死率较高,超声心动图对APE患者预后有较高的预测价值。     

Morphologic and functional substrate of thyrotoxicosis caused by nodular goiters

The pathogenesis of nonimmunogenic thyrotoxicosis caused by nodular goiters—with the exception of true toxic adenoma—was investigated in 11 patients by means of scintigraphic, morphologic and autoradiographic technics. The basic event is the appearance, for unknown reasons, of autonomously functioning follicles which are morphologically indistinguishable from normal follicles. Four basic patterns of intrathyroidal distribution of autonomously functioning follicles are individualized: Type I = multiple individual autonomously functioning follicles scattered throughout the goiter. Type II = clustered autonomous follicles without demarcation from less active parenchyma. Type III = multiple microadenomas. Type IV = autonomous function of the majority of all follicles. In all four types, the autonomous follicles occur without recognizable relation to nodule boundaries. Scintiscans cannot predict the microstructure of these types of goiters. More than one pattern of distribution of autonomously functioning follicles may occur within a single goiter.The growth of thyroid nodules is independent of, and certainly not a prerequisite to, thyrotoxicosis. Rather, the appearance of thyrotoxicosis in this type of multinodular goiter depends on (1) the number of autonomous follicles throughout the gland and (2) their mean hormone-producing capacity per unit of time.     

肺栓塞患者心电图ST段压低与严重临床事件关系的临床研究

目的:通过观察44例肺栓塞患者心电图ST段的变化,探讨肺栓塞患者心电图ST段压低与心肌损伤以及严重临床事件发生的关系.方法:对44例患者进行前瞻性研究.根据心电图ST段变化,将患者分为两组:ST段压低组(23例)和非ST段压低组(21例).同时均于24 h内相隔8～12 h两次采血测定血清肌钙蛋白I(TnI),两次都出现阳性结果,即为TnI阳性.观察住院期间两组患者的临床表现,对严重临床事件及死亡情况进行统计.结果:44例肺栓塞患者心电图ST段压低见于Ⅱ、Ⅲ、aVF、V_(1～4)导联.两组中共有12例Tnl阳性,其中ST段压低组11例,非ST段压低组1例,两组相比P=0.0014;共有13例次发生严重临床事件,其中ST段压低组11例次,非ST段压低组2例次,两组相比P=0.0054;死亡病例6例,ST段压低组5例,非ST段压低组1例,两组相比P=0.0209.结论:肺栓塞患者心电图ST段压低提示心肌受损及严重临床事件的发生率较高.     

High rate of positive lymph nodes in T1a gallbladder cancer does not translate to decreased survival: a population-based,propensity score adjusted analysis

Background

Current consensus guidelines suggest that gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients with resected T1a disease can be observed while patients with T1b or greater lesions should undergo lymphadenectomy (LNE). The primary aim of this study was to critically explore the impact of LNE in early-stage GBC on overall survival (OS) on a population-based level.

Cardiovascular and endocrine profile of adrenergic neurone blockade in normal and hypertensive man.

Some cardiovascular and endocrine effects of adrenergic blockade were assessed in six normal subjects, six patients with mild hypertension (diastolic pressure < 100 mm Hg) and six patients with moderate to severe essential hypertension. Administration of the inhibitory agent, debrisoquine, for six weeks markedly decreased supine and upright plasma norepinephrine levels, and norepinephrine excretion in all three groups. Supine and upright blood pressure was decreased more (p < 0.001) in those with moderate to severe hypertension (15 and 27 per cent) than in those with mild hypertension (6 and 8 per cent) and remained unchanged in normal subjects. Pulse rate and plasma renin levels were lowered (p <0.01) in patients with moderate to severe hypertension, but not in normal or mildly hypertensive subjects. The different influence of blood pressure, pulse rate and renin in the three groups could not be explained by variations in drug dosage, norepinephrine inhibition, age, basal sodium balance or secondary blood volume expansion, the latter being marked in all groups. Diuretic therapy in addition to sympathetic inhibition reversed blood volume expansion, and further augmented the reduction in supine and upright blood pressure in patients with moderate to severe (?21 and ?47 per cent) or mild hypertension (?8 and ?12 per cent). Plasma aldosterone, cortisol and epinephrine values remained unchanged, and no severe or intolerable side effects occurred during treatment. These data suggest that adrenergic neuron blockade with modest doses of debrisoquine, combined with a diuretic, may be an effective and acceptable mode of therapy in patients with either mild or more severe hypertension. The hypotensive, cardiac-slowing and renin-inhibitory potential of adrenergic neuron blockade may be initiated by decreased norepinephrine outflow and modulated by variations in end-organ responsiveness, normal subjects being relatively insensitive and patients with essential hypertension being more sensitive as the severity of their hypertension increases.     

Changes in renal function in essential hypertension

Studies of renal hemodynamics, plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone, and water and sodium excretion were performed in 171 patients with essential hypertension and 61 normotensive subjects. The para-amino hippurate clearance (C_PAH) was usually normal or moderately reduced in those with benign hypertension and markedly depressed in those with malignant hypertension. The PAH extraction ratio was normal or slightly reduced in the patients with benign hypertension and moderately impaired in those with low C_PAH indicating that a disproportionate decrease in cortical flow occurred only in the latter. The c_pah did not correlate Inversely with the mean blood pressure in the patients with benign hypotension. Reexamination of untreated patients after an average of 28 $\text{1}\text{2}$ months revealed a decrease in renal plasma flow but no further increase in blood pressure. These findings suggest that in uncomplicated hypertension the increase in blood pressure is not caused by renal circulatory disturbances.PRA was unrelated to renal hemodynamics in benign hypertension. In malignant hypertension, it was inversely correlated with the renal plasma flow. Under mild loading with isotonic saline solution, the fractional water excretion correlated with the blood pressure. Sodium excretion was neither related to the blood pressure nor to the estimated peritubular oncotic pressure, but correlated inversely with plasma aldosterone. These observations provide no support for the causative role of a primary disturbance in sodium excretion in essential hypertension.     

Prognostic Value of Computed Tomography Versus Echocardiography Derived Right to Left Ventricular Diameter Ratio in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

BackgroundComputed Tomography (CT) Pulmonary Angiography is the most commonly used diagnostic study for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Echocardiogram (ECHO) is also used for risk stratification in acute PE, however the diagnostic performance of CT versus ECHO for risk stratification remains unclear.MethodsCT and ECHO right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) diameters were measured in a retrospective cohort of patients with acute PE. RV:LV diameter ratios were calculated and correlation between CT and ECHO RV:LV ratio was assessed. Sensitivity and specificity for the composite adverse events endpoint of mortality, respiratory failure requiring intubation, cardiac arrest, or shock requiring vasopressors within 30 days of admission were assessed for CT or ECHO derived RV:LV ratio alone and in combination with biomarkers (troponin or B-type natriuretic peptide).ResultsA total of 74 subjects met the inclusion criteria and had a mean age of 62±18 years. The proportion of patients with RV:LV >1 was similar when comparing CT (37.8%) versus ECHO (33.8%) (P = 0.61). A statistically significant correlation was found between CT derived and ECHO derived RV:LV diameter ratio (r = 0.832, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity to predict 30-day composite adverse events for CT versus ECHO derived RV:LV diameter ratio >1 together with positive biomarker status was similar with sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 41% versus 87% and 42%, respectively.ConclusionsIn patients with acute PE, CT and ECHO RV:LV diameter ratio correlate well and identify similar proportion of PE patients at risk for early adverse events. These findings may streamline risk stratification of patients with acute PE.     

Sodium-volume factor, cardiovascular reactivity and hypotensive mechanism of diuretic therapy in mild hypertension associated with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is often associated with excess body sodium and frequently accompanied by hypertension. Relationships among blood pressure and various regulatory factors were studied before and after six weeks of diuretic therapy with chlorthalidone, 100 mg/day, in 17 diabetic subjects (aged 32 to 75 years) with borderline to moderate hypertension. Following a four-week placebo phase, mean supine blood pressure was 165/93 ± 26/15 (±SD) mm Hg and exchangeable sodium was increased (49 ± 4 versus 45 ± 4 meq/kg lean body mass in 90 normal subjects; p < 0.01). Blood volume, and supine and upright plasma renin, aldosterone, norepinephrine, epinephrine or dopamine levels were comparable to normal values. Measurements in eight diabetic subjects revealed an increased cardiovascular reactivity, as evidenced by decreased (p < 0.001) pressor doses of norepinephrine (68 ± 42 versus 151 ± 52 ng/kg/min) or angiotensin II (3.9 ± 1.2 versus 10.3 ± 5.5 ng/kg/min). Chlorthalidone decreased blood volume by 11 per cent, lowered body sodium (by 9 per cent) and cardiovascular sensitivity to norepinephrine (by 48 per cent) or angiotensin II (by 60 per cent) towards normal and reduced blood pressure by 11 per cent to 145/82 ± 13/12 mm Hg (11 per cent). Plasma renin and aldosterone were markedly increased by chlorthalidone, whereas plasma and urinary catecholamine levels were not significantly altered. These findings suggest that hypertension in patients with diabetes mellitus may partly depend on increased body sodium and/or an exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity to norepinephrine and angiotensin II. The blood pressure-lowering effect of diuretic therapy may be due to removal of excess sodium and the restoration of norepinephrine pressor sensitivity towards normal without an equivalent increase in adrenergic nervous activity.     

Treatment and Outcomes of Acute Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis: The CVRN VTE Study

BackgroundFew studies describe both inpatient and outpatient treatment and outcomes of patients with acute venous thromboembolism in the United States.MethodsA multi-institutional cohort of patients diagnosed with confirmed pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis during the years 2004 through 2010 was established from 4 large, US-based integrated health care delivery systems. Computerized databases were accessed and medical records reviewed to collect information on patient demographics, clinical risk factors, initial antithrombotic treatment, and vital status. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of death at 90 days.ResultsThe cohort comprised 5497 adults with acute venous thromboembolism. Pulmonary embolism was predominantly managed in the hospital setting (95.0%), while 54.5% of patients with lower extremity thrombosis were treated as outpatients. Anticoagulant treatment differed according to thromboembolism type: 2688 patients (92.8%) with pulmonary embolism and 1625 patients (86.9%) with lower extremity thrombosis were discharged on anticoagulants, compared with 286 patients (80.1%) with upper extremity thrombosis and 69 (54.8%) patients with other thrombosis. While 4.5% of patients died during the index episode, 15.4% died within 90 days. Pulmonary embolism was associated with a higher 90-day death risk than lower extremity thrombosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.47), as was not being discharged on anticoagulants (adjusted hazard ratio 5.56; 95% confidence interval, 4.76-6.67).ConclusionsIn this multicenter, community-based study of patients with acute venous thromboembolism, anticoagulant treatment and outcomes varied by thromboembolism type. Although case fatality during the acute episode was relatively low, 15.4% of people with thromboembolism died within 90 days of the index diagnosis.     

Pulmonary infarction in sickle cell trait.

A young black man presented with unexplained pleuritic chest pain. A hematologic evaluation revealed sickle cell trait, Chest roentgenograms, ventilation/perfusion lung scanning and a pleural-parenchymal lung biopsy documented pulmonary infarction. Sickle cell trait with resultant pulmonary infarction should be considered in black subjects with unexplained pulmonary diseases.     

Premature death and associated risk factors in urban middle-aged men

The full range of premature mortality and associated risk factors was analyzed for a follow-up period of three and a half to eight years in a uniform group of 7,935 middle-aged males (46 to 48 years old at screening) participating between the years 1975 and 1979 in the preventive population program in Malmö (participation rate 76.7 percent). Of the 218 deaths that occurred, necropsy was performed in 181 (83.0 percent). Three major causes of death were established: cancer (61/218), alcohol-related deaths (55/218), and coronary heart disease (50/218). In these three main categories of male premature mortality, significant and distinctly differential risk factor patterns were found. In coronary heart disease, smoking (p = 0.0062), serum cholesterol level (p = 0.00014), serum triglyceride level (p = 0.00013), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.000012), and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0021) were the strongest single determinants, but the independent role of the diastolic blood pressure disappeared in a multivariate analysis whereas all the others could be combined in a highly predictive logistic model. In the alcohol-related group, equal or stronger risk factor associations were present for serum gamma-glutamyltransferase level (p < 0.0001), questionnaire alcoholism screening response (p < 0.0001) and, inversely, serum cholesterol level (p = 0.0046) and serum creatinine level (p < 0.0001), all of which were independent and could be combined in an even more predictive logistic model than in the coronary heart disease group. In the cancer deaths, significant associations were found for serum urate level (p = 0.023) and, inversely, serum cholesterol level (p = 0.056 ? 0.031). Malignant and alcohol-related diseases constituted at least equally prominent groups as the cardiovascular disorders of the total premature deaths that occurred during middle age in these cohorts of Malmö males. All of these conditions are potentially avoidable and seem to be associated with significant and distinctive risk factor patterns. It seems possible that these factors may be applied, in current alcohol-related disorders and in future malignant diseases, both as indicators of the respective risks and as signals and instruments for directed preventive measures like the previously well established and tested methods for the regulation of blood pressure, serum lipids levels, and so on.     

TUSARC: Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay in Asymptomatic Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk

BackgroundPrognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assays have been assessed in selected populations in different studies and in registries of members of the general population with low cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of hs-cTnT in an asymptomatic very-high cardiovascular risk Spanish population.MethodsFrom a previous prospective cohort of the TUSARC (troponina T UltraSensible en pacientes Asintomáticos de alto Riesgo Cardiovascular) registry, follow-up was conducted in 602 patients (93.18%). The association of high hs-cTnT (≥99th percentile value) and incidence of primary event was studied. A primary event was defined as a combined major cardiovascular event (incidence of cardiovascular death, decompensated heart failure, non-fatal cerebrovascular event, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization). The association between high hs-cTnT and incidence of secondary events was studied as well.ResultsIn patients with high hs-cTnT, the incidence of primary event during follow-up was significantly higher (18.30% vs 3.67% P < .001): heart failure (6.25% vs 0.73% P < .001), cardiovascular death (7.29% vs 0.00% P < .001), and death from any cause (7.81% vs 0.98% P < .001).ConclusionsIn an asymptomatic very-high cardiovascular risk Spanish population, elevated hs-cTnT was significantly associated with incident major cardiovascular combined end point and incidence of heart failure, cardiovascular death, and death from any cause.     

Acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with chronic renal disease

In order to reassess the role of duodenal ulcers as a cause of acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with chronic renal failure, 20 consecutive patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure and a comparison group of patients without renal disease who were seen for acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage were reviewed. Gastric bleeding sites (gastric ulcer in 35 percent and gastritis in 20 percent) rather than duodenal ulcers were the most common sources of bleeding and were significantly associated with the use of ulcerogenic drugs. Patients with renal disease in whom acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage developed had significantly more morbidity and a trend toward higher mortality than the comparison group of patients without renal disease. It is concluded that gastric mucosal lesions, at least in part due to the use of ulcerogenic drugs, are the most common cause of significant acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with chronic renal failure.     

Peptide hormone markers in screening for endocrine tumors in multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I

In three families with the multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I (MEA I) trait, 51 members were investigated by measurement of circulating peptide hormones as tumor markers. Twenty-five of 51 members (49 percent) were considered to be affected by MEA I disorders. The incidence rose with age (75 percent in generation II). Both sexes were affected equally. Hyperparathyroidism was present in 20 of 25 affected members (80 percent), and pituitary tumors (prolactinomas) were found in four of 25 (16 percent). Endocrine pancreatic tumors were found in nine of 25 affected members (36 percent), but when "probable" tumors (seven) are included the frequency rises to 72 percent. Hyperparathyroidism was found in all except one member with proved lesions in other organs. Among patients with proved and possible endocrine pancreatic tumors, elevated serum levels of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide were frequently found, 78 percent and 67 percent, respectively, and we suggest that serum gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide levels are the most useful screening markers at present for pancreatic lesions in MEA I.