Detection of the Vulnerable Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque—Promises and Limitations

Purpose of Review

The merit of imaging “vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques” remains highly controversial. This review aims at providing current evidence for both its benefit and limitations.

Recent Findings

Results from optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound imaging in patients with coronary heart disease suggest that certain individual coronary atherosclerotic plaque characteristics, e.g., large lipid core in a fibroatheroma, are associated with greater risk of adverse patient outcome. However, a closer look at these studies reveals that these associations are confounded by the relationship of “vulnerable plaque” characteristics with baseline lumen obstruction, which is a known predictor of recurrent angina and the main component of the reported adverse patient outcome. Recent insights into the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes suggest it to be an exceedingly complex process involving numerous local and systemic factors, which hinders outcome prediction.

Summary

The quest for the vulnerable plaque rests on the erroneous assumption that detecting coronary atherosclerotic lesions, which are prone to rupture or erode, will identify individuals at high risk of suffering acute coronary events. However, there is strong and consistent evidence suggesting that plaques most commonly rupture without associated clinical symptoms. Instead, ruptured plaques typically heal clinically silently and lead to plaque progression. The atherosclerotic disease burden, its metabolic activity, and risk factors for an inadequate response by the coagulation system to plaque disruption, on the other hand, are important predictors of acute coronary event risk and deserve our attention more than individual plaques.

     

ADAMTS4 level in patients with stable coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes

Objective

A recent study indicates that ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs 4) was expressed in macrophage rich areas of human atherosclerotic carotid plaques and coronary unstable plaques suggesting a pathogenic role in the development of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of the study was to compare ADAMTS4 across the entire spectrum of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to investigate the temporal profiles of ADAMTS4.

Methods

Plasma levels of ADAMTS4 were measured in patients with stable effort angina pectoris (SAP), ACS and in controls. Venous blood was sampled upon admission before angiography and drug administration. In patients with ACS who underwent medical treatment, serial blood samples were also collected on days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 after admission. ADAMTS4 was measured using an enzyme immunoassay.

Results

Plasma ADAMTS4 level in cases was significantly greater than in controls (P < 0.001). Higher levels of ADAMTS4 were found with progression of CAD from SAP to unstable angina pectoris (UAP) to non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and to ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) (P < 0.001). Elevated ADAMTS4 level was associated with ACS with an area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.753 (95% CI 0.654–0.851; P < 0.001). The pattern of ADAMTS4 release observed was clearly different in various forms of ACS. ADAMTS4 showed a weak correlation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); however, no significant correlation was found between ADAMTS4 and troponin T (TnT) in ACS patients.

Conclusions

Serial changes in plasma ADAMTS4 were documented in patients with ACS and may serve as a marker of plaque destabilization.     

Cannabis-associated Myocardial Infarction in a Young Man with Normal Coronary Arteries

Background

The use of cannabis is not usually regarded as a risk factor for acute coronary syndrome. However, several cases of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with cannabis use have been reported in the scientific literature. The etiology of this phenomenon is not known.

Objectives

To present a case of cannabis-associated MI in which atherosclerotic coronary disease was excluded as a potential etiology by intravascular ultrasound examination, and briefly review the other possible mechanisms by which this effect may be mediated.

Case Report

We present the case of a previously healthy 21-year-old man who regularly smoked cannabis and presented to the Emergency Department with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after participating in a sport. He was also a cigarette smoker, but had no other conventional cardiovascular risk factors. At coronary angiography, a large amount of thrombus was found in the left anterior descending coronary artery. He recovered with medical treatment, and subsequent intravascular ultrasound examination showed no evidence of atherosclerosis at the site of the thrombus.

Conclusion

Cannabis-associated MI is increasingly recognized. The etiology is unclear, but we believe this is the first report of the phenomenon where atherosclerotic plaque rupture has been excluded as the cause with a high degree of confidence.     

Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcerative Disease of the Aorta: Do Emergency Physicians Need to Worry?

Background

In recent years, different aortic pathologies have been grouped together and described in terms of a spectrum of disease referred to as Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS). Overlapping of these conditions has traditionally introduced discrepancy to the understanding of the pathophysiology and definitive care. Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU), an ulceration of an atherosclerotic plaque, has been increasingly recognized as the individual cause of the acute aortic pathology.

Objective

The natural evolution and complications of PAU are described, as well as the current diagnostic strategies, definitive management options, and initial care in the emergency department.

Discussion

The natural history of PAU is variable but is generally considered to be an AAS with a high incidence of complications. The clinical differentiation of symptomatic PAU from other causes of AAS is very challenging. Computed tomography imaging has provided additional accuracy with the use of the retrospective electrocardiographic gating technique. Despite traditional surgical therapies for aortic pathology, later studies have demonstrated the success of non-operative management, such as endoluminal grafting.

Conclusion

The relative rarity of this disease, the difficulties in its detection, and the lack of precise guidelines about its management may result in diagnostic delays. Asymptomatic patients with well-controlled blood pressure are safely managed as outpatients in close consultation with vascular surgery.     

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a 27-Year-Old Woman

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) causes acute coronary syndromes or sudden death in young patients who are often lacking classic coronary disease risk factors. Systemic inflammatory and connective tissue diseases have been suggested as risk factors for SCAD.

Objective

To review the risk factors, diagnosis, and management of this uncommon but life-threatening disease.

Case Report

We report a case of a 27-year-old woman with a history of an ill-defined inflammatory arthropathy who presented with an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. SCAD was diagnosed by coronary angiography. Percutaneous coronary intervention was attempted but was unsuccessful. The patient recovered uneventfully with medical management and was ultimately diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Conclusions

SCAD is a rare but important cause of acute coronary syndromes and sudden death. It commonly occurs in young women. Although pregnancy is the most well-established risk factor, systemic inflammatory and connective tissue diseases have also been suggested as risk factors.     

Altered tibiofemoral joint contact mechanics and kinematics in patients with knee osteoarthritis and episodic complaints of joint instability

Background

To evaluate knee joint contact mechanics and kinematics during the loading response phase of downhill gait in knee osteoarthritis patients with self-reported instability.

Methods

Forty-three subjects, 11 with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and self-reported instability (unstable), 7 with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis but no reports of instability (stable), and 25 without knee osteoarthritis or instability (control) underwent Dynamic Stereo X-ray analysis during a downhill gait task on a treadmill.

Findings

The medial compartment contact point excursions were longer in the unstable group compared to the stable (P = 0.046) and the control groups (P = 0.016). The peak medial compartment contact point velocity was also greater for the unstable group compared to the stable (P = 0.047) and control groups (P = 0.022). Additionally, the unstable group demonstrated a coupled movement pattern of knee extension and external rotation after heel contact which was different than the coupled motion of knee flexion and internal rotation demonstrated by stable and control groups.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that knee joint contact mechanics and kinematics are altered during the loading response phase of downhill gait in knee osteoarthritis patients with self-reported instability. The observed longer medial compartment contact point excursions and higher velocities represent objective signs of mechanical instability that may place the arthritic knee joint at increased risk for disease progression. Further research is indicated to explore the clinical relevance of altered contact mechanics and kinematics during other common daily activities and to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation programs to improve altered joint biomechanics in knee osteoarthritis patients with self-reported instability.     

Altered and Unstable: Wet Beriberi,a Clinical Review

Background

Undifferentiated altered mental status and hemodynamic instability are common presenting complaints in the Emergency Department (ED). Emergency practitioners do not have the luxury of time to perform sequential examination, history, testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Rather, we do all of these things at once to save lives and decrease morbidity. An important diagnosis to consider and upon which we can easily intervene is that of thiamine deficiency.

Objectives

We present a case of an altered and unstable woman who presented to our busy ED and had rapid improvement after the administration of vitamin B1. We discuss the presentation, pathophysiology, consequences of missed diagnosis, and management of this disease process.

Case Report

A middle-aged woman presented to our ED with unstable vital signs and an alteration in her mental status. She was unable to provide a history. Empiric treatment with thiamine resulted in the resolution of her hemodynamic instability and improvement in her mental status.

Conclusion

Our patient benefited from the swift administration of thiamine and illustrates the importance of thiamine administration in the altered or hemodynamically unstable emergency patient with an elevated lactate.     

A Case of an Unusual Hernia Associated with Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background

Acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is a well-known presentation to the emergency department (ED) frequently accompanied by hematemesis. We describe the case of a patient with abdominal content herniation into the chest wall with a recent history of coronary artery bypass graft presenting with acute onset of hematemesis.

Objectives

To present an exceedingly rare herniation of abdominal contents into the chest wall that was accompanied by hematemesis and to present the rare visual findings inherent in this pathology.

Case Report

A 65-year-old man presented to the ED vomiting large amounts of blood upon presentation, compromising hemodynamic stability and prompting emergent resuscitation. The patient’s presentation was complicated by a large 30 × 40-cm anterior chest wall mass extending 2 cm inferior to the sternal notch expanding with each episode of hematemesis. Computed tomography after stabilization revealed a large ventral hernia extending into the chest wall, containing small and large bowel. We suspected this large, unusual hernia to be the underlying cause of the patient’s GI bleeding.

Conclusion

The emergency physician must be able to assess hemodynamic stability of an upper GI bleed and resuscitate the unstable patient if warranted. Diagnosis is to be subsequently determined after stabilization.     

Performance of a body surface mapping system using emergency physician real-time interpretation

Objective

We compared the performance characteristics of the 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) with body surface mapping (BSM) in patients presenting for evaluation of symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes.

Methods

The diagnostic test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and predictive values) for 12-lead ECG and BSM were computed using 3 different criterion standards.

Results

Of the 150 patients enrolled, 19 were positive for acute coronary syndromes using the criterion standard of cardiac troponin T >0.1 ng/mL, percutaneous coronary intervention, more than 70% stenosis, abnormal noninvasive testing, and coronary artery bypass graft. Changes not known to be old on ECG and BSM had sensitivities of 10.5 (95% confidence interval [CI₉₅], 1.8-34.5) and 15.8 (CI₉₅, 4.2-40.5), and specificities of 90.1 (CI₉₅, 83.3-94.4) and 86.3 (CI₉₅, 78.9-91.4), respectively.

Conclusion

In this emergency department population, both the BSM and the 12-lead ECG exhibited similar test characteristics.     

Gender differences in lower extremity gait biomechanics during walking using an unstable shoe

Background

In recent years several unstable shoe designs that cause increased instability at the ankle joint have been developed with the aims of training static and dynamic posture and postural control. However, earlier research found significant gender differences in the generation of ankle torque and in the reaction times after a perturbation. Therefore it is possible that men and women are affected differently by the instability that unstable shoes create. The purpose of this study was to investigate if gender differences exist a) during bilateral quiet stance or b) in lower extremity gait kinematics and kinetics when using unstable shoes.

Methods

Seventeen females and seventeen males were included in this study. Masai Barefoot Technology® shoes were used as test shoes. Center of pressure excursion was recorded during 30 s bilateral quiet stance trials using a force plate. Joint angles, resultant joint moments and joint moment impulses during walking were determined using standard gait analysis methods.

Findings

In bipedal stance, female subjects had significantly greater anterior–posterior center of pressure excursion than male subjects. In the stance phase of the gait cycle gender differences were found in the ankle joint moments which had not been reported in earlier studies using barefoot or normal shoe conditions.

Interpretation

The results suggest that women and men use different strategies to control the ankle joint when standing or walking in unstable shoes. Gender effects should therefore be taken into consideration if functional or therapeutic effects of unstable shoes are assessed.     

Left brachiocephalic vein perforation: computed tomographic features and treatment considerations

Objective

To report the clinical and computed tomographic findings of 5 cases of left brachiocephalic vein perforation (LBCVP).

Methods

The clinical and imaging features of 5 patients with LBCVP (1 woman, 4 men; mean age, 57.6 years) encountered over the last 2 decades were reviewed.

Results

Etiologies included left jugular central catheter penetration in 2 patients, blunt trauma in 2, and idiopathic in 1. All patients manifested acute chest pain with a widened mediastinum on chest radiographs. Characteristic computed tomographic features included a cord-like hematoma along the course of the left brachiocephalic vein associated with a left upper anterior mediastinal hematoma (AMH). Three clinically stable patients with AMH smaller than 5 cm convalesced after conservative treatment and 2 clinically unstable patients with AMH bigger than 7 cm recovered well after surgery.

Conclusions

Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosing LBCVP. Under close surveillance, patients with stable LBCVP with AMH smaller than 5 cm may be managed conservatively. However, emergency surgery is warranted if there are any signs of instability.     

New LDL-Cholesterol Lowering Therapies: Pharmacology,Clinical Trials,and Relevance to Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Reduction in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a fundamental treatment for the prevention of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Although statin therapy confers significant protection against ACS in both primary and secondary prevention, a considerable residual risk remains after intensive therapy. In addition, a significant proportion of high-risk patients do not achieve the optimal LDL-C goal recommended in the current guidelines (<1.8 mmol/L). Hence, novel LDL-C-lowering agents that act via mechanisms distinct from HMG-CoA reductase inhibition are under investigation.

Objective

We reviewed the recent literature on the development of novel LDL-C–lowering agents that could potentially be used as an alternative or adjunct to statin therapy in high-risk coronary patients.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve studies on the efficacy and/or tolerability of novel LDL-C-lowering agents in animals and humans.

Results

Agents that inhibit proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), apolipoprotein (apo) B, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) are the most promising therapies. Inhibition of PCSK9, apoB, and MTTP has been achieved mostly via fully humanized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antisense oligonucleotides, and synthetic compounds, respectively. PCSK9 inhibitors increase the hepatic uptake of LDL-C, while apoB and MTTP inhibitors decrease the synthesis and secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins. These 3 mechanisms lead to marked reductions in plasma LDL-C in patients with hypercholesterolemia at risk for ACS, particularly those with familial hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, these agents can exert additional benefits by decreasing plasma levels of apoB, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a). Mipomersen and lomitapide have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for use in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. PCSK9 inhibitors are currently under final evaluation in clinical outcomes studies and are anticipated to find wide application either as monotherapy or as an adjunct to statins. A main safety concern is the risk for hepatic steatosis with apoB and MTTP inhibitors, which needs to be explored in prospective, long-term trials.

Conclusions

PCSK9, apoB, and MTTP inhibitors can exert potent reductions in plasma LDL-C and apoB concentrations, either as monotherapy or in combination with statins. These effects are particularly relevant to high-risk individuals with marked hypercholesterolemia, such as those with familial hypercholesterolemia. Although the use of mipomersen and lomitapide is limited to severe familial hypercholesterolemia as a replacement for LDL-apheresis, PCSK9 inhibitors are likely to be more widely prescribed in patients at high risk for CVD, especially those who are resistant to or intolerant of high-intensity statin therapy. PCSK9 mAbs are efficacious and have an excellent safety profile, but their long-term impact on cardiovascular events is currently under investigation. Whether PCSK9 mAbs decrease the rates of recurrent cardiovascular events within 3 months following ACS is questionable; however, these agents, unlike statins, may not have pleiotropic benefits on the unstable plaque.     

Toxicology and Overdose of Atypical Antipsychotics

Background

Second-generation antipsychotic medications, or “atypical antipsychotics,” are now first-line therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and are additionally being used in a wide array of other psychiatric and non-psychiatric conditions in both adults and children. Overdose is frequently reported to poison control centers.

Objectives

We review the toxicology and general management of poisonings involving the atypical antipsychotic medications.

Discussion

The most serious toxicity involves the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system. All typical and atypical antipsychotics cause sedation, which is pronounced in overdose. The most common cardiovascular effects that occur after atypical antipsychotic overdose are tachycardia, mild hypotension, and prolongation of the QTc interval. Other clinical syndromes in overdose include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and antimuscarinic delirium. Seizures may be observed. No antidotes exist for these poisonings, but they most often do well with supportive care.

Conclusion

Antipsychotic overdose produces a gamut of manifestations that affect multiple organ systems. Treatment is primarily supportive. Specific therapies for NMS, hypotension, and seizures are discussed.     

Acute Pancreatitis Complicated by ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background

Electrocardiographic abnormalities mimicking myocardial ischemia have been reported in intra-abdominal conditions, including acute pancreatitis. However, the occurrence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rare.

Objectives

To present a case report of a young man with acute pancreatitis subsequently complicated by acute STEMI. The diagnosis and management of STEMI in acute pancreatitis can present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, which are reviewed.

Case Report

A 31-year-old man with no conventional coronary risk factors presented with acute abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and computed tomography scan findings of acute pancreatitis. The patient developed chest discomfort and presented to us on Day 2 with electrocardiographic evidence of an evolved extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. Cardiac troponin I levels were elevated, and the electrocardiogram showed regional wall motion abnormalities in the left anterior descending territory (LAD). Coronary angiography done after stabilization showed a thrombus in the LAD, with no atherosclerotic lesions whatsoever. Hemostatic abnormalities are known in acute pancreatitis, and the development of a transient hypercoagulable state may be responsible for thrombotic complications. The overlap of some of the symptoms of the two conditions may cause diagnostic difficulty. Management issues include the choice of revascularization therapy, the safety of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, intravenous fluid administration, and the use of cardiac medications that potentially can cause hypotension.

Conclusion

The diagnosis and management of STEMI in the setting of acute pancreatitis can be challenging. In the absence of guidelines, a multidisciplinary approach individualized to the patient’s clinical situation may be most appropriate.     

New Antiplatelet Agents and the Role of Platelet Function Testing in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy is a guideline mandated for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite its use, thrombotic events continue to occur both early and late. Platelet function testing has been used to define the in vitro effects of new antiplatelet agents, and it has been suggested that it be used to choose therapy. The role of platelet function testing, particularly with newer antiplatelet agents, remains unclear.

Objective

We review the rationale for platelet function testing and its application in monitoring patients on antiplatelet therapy. We also review recent clinical trials of newer antiplatelet agents. On the basis of this review, we reach conclusions on the current role of antiplatelet function testing in monitoring modern antiplatelet therapy and the role of the new antiplatelet agents in the treatment of ACS.

Methods

We reviewed recent publications on platelet function testing and clinical trials of newer antiplatelet therapies compared with clopidogrel.

Results

Platelet function testing is complex, but there is now a bedside test, VerifyNow. High platelet reactivity has been associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Recent clinical trials have not found any advantage in outcomes in patients who have their therapy adjusted by monitoring their platelet function. Newer agents, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor, produce more rapid, complete, less variable effects on platelet function than clopidogrel. Prasugrel was found to improve outcomes compared with clopidogrel in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous intervention. Ticagrelor is beneficial in all patients with ACS and reduces cardiovascular mortality compared with clopidogrel. Cangrelor improves outcomes in patients undergoing stenting. Recent studies to assess the role of platelet function monitoring of the effects of clopidogrel and modifying treatments have not been successful.

Conclusion

Recent clinical trials have indicated that newer antiplatelet agents have advantages over clopidogrel in the treatment of ACS. Platelet function testing gives us a guide to the timing, efficacy, and variability of therapy and can correlate with poor patient outcomes; however, the use of antiplatelet function testing to tailor therapy does not seem appropriate.     

Does morphology of carotid plaque depend on patient's oxidative stress?

Objectives

This study explored the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and stability of carotid plaque. We decided to analyze the broad range of parameters describing oxidative stress in patients with carotid stenosis.

Design and methods

124 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were enrolled in the study group. The control group consisted of 49 patients without symptoms of atherosclerosis. The stability of carotid plaques was assessed using GSM (gray-scale median) scoring system and the study group was divided into three subgroups according to echogenicity of the plaque. The following parameters of oxidative stress/DNA damage were analyzed: i) urinary excretion of the products of oxidative DNA damage repair; ii) the background level of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine in leukocytes' DNA and in atherosclerotic plaques; and iii) the concentrations of antioxidant vitamins, uric acid and C-reactive protein in plasma.

Results

Oxidative stress (described by redox status) was higher in the patient group than in the control group. There is a correlation between oxidative stress of the patients and stability of the plaque, echolucent plaques (GSM < 25) being associated with the highest antioxidant level and lowest excretion of DNA repair markers.

Conclusions

The plaque formation/morphology may depend on local environment and is independent of oxidative stress/inflammation observed on the level of the whole body.     

Molecular Therapeutic Strategies for Spinal Muscular Atrophies: Current and Future Clinical Trials

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron gene (SMN1) and the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. Currently, there is no effective treatment other than supportive care.

Objective

This article provides a general overview of the main aspects that need to be taken into account to design a more efficient clinical trial and to summarize the most promising molecular trials that are currently in development or are being planned for the treatment of SMA.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed, identifying key clinical trials involving novel molecular therapies in SMA. In addition, abstracts presented at the meetings of the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy were searched and the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Web site was carefully analyzed. Finally, a selection of SMA clinical trials registered at clinical- trials.gov has been included in the article.

Results

The past decade has seen a marked advancement in the understanding of both SMA genetics and molecular mechanisms. New molecules targeting SMN have shown promise in preclinical studies, and various clinical trials have started to test the drugs that were discovered through basic research.

Conclusions

Both preclinical and early clinical trial results involving novel molecular therapies suggest that the clinical care paradigm in SMA will soon change.     

Fatal Infant Myocardial Infarction Caused by Ball-IN-Valve Mechanism from a Dysplastic Aortic Valve

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can occur in infants. Early identification of AMI can allow for specific therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Objective

This article describes a case of an infant with AMI caused by a previously unreported mechanism and reviews diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for dealing with this rare disease.

Case Report

We present a case of a 5-week-old infant with a fatal AMI due to a pedunculated nodule from a dysplastic aortic valve leaflet creating a ball-in-valve mechanism and occluding the left main coronary artery.

Conclusion

AMI is an important diagnostic consideration in any infant presenting with signs of unexplained cardiogenic shock. Practitioners who care for children should be aware of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AMI in infants.     

Oral thromboprophylaxis in pelvic trauma: a standardized protocol

Background

Thromboprophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after lower-extremity trauma could include rivaroxaban, an oral medication that does not need laboratory monitoring.

Objective

To assess rivaroxaban’s efficacy in preventing DVTs after pelvic trauma compared to its historical incidence.

Materials and Methods

All patients admitted with pelvic fractures in a 12-month period followed a standardized thromboprophylaxis protocol: 1) rivaroxaban 10 mg/day within 24 h of injury or upon hemodynamic stability; 2) pre-operative, post-operative, and 30-day extremity ultrasound; 3) ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy for clinical signs of pulmonary embolus; and 4) a 45-, 90-, and 120-day re-evaluation. Rivaroxaban administration ceased the day of surgery and restarted 12 h post-operatively or upon hemodynamic stability, continuing for 30 days. Excluded patients had severe neurological or hepatosplenic injuries, heparin hypersensitivity, or hemodynamic instability.

Results

Of 113 patients assessed, 84 patients (66 males), average age 46.6 years (range 19–69 years), were included. They had isolated pelvic trauma (n = 37), associated lower limb injuries (n = 47), average Injury Severity Score 21.4 (range 16–50), and average Glasgow Coma Scale score 13.6 (range 9–15). Patients receiving thromboprophylaxis soon after their fracture (n = 64) had a lower incidence of DVT than those receiving delayed thromboprophylaxis (n = 20) (p = 0.02). One patient (1.2%) died from a pulmonary embolus; 13 had asymptomatic below-the-knee DVTs. Rivaroxaban did not increase intra- or post-operative bleeding in surgical wounds.

Conclusions

DVT incidence after pelvic fractures is reduced by administering antithrombotics within 24 h of injury or, if the patient is hemodynamically unstable, 24 h after stabilization. Rivaroxaban is a safe and effective method of providing this thromboprophylaxis.