Mechanical breakdown and thrombolysis in subacute massive pulmonary embolism: A prospective trial

AIM: To assess role of combined modality of mechanical fragmentation and intralesional thrombolysis in patients with massive pulmonary embolism presenting subacutely. METHODS: Eight of 70 patients presenting in tertiary care centre of North India with massive pulmonary embolism within 4 years had subacute presentation (symptom onset more than 2 wk). These patients were subjected to pulmonary angiography with intention to treat basis via mechanical breakdown and intra lesional thrombolysis. Mechanical breakdown of embolus was accomplished with 5-F multipurpose catheter to reestablish flow, followed by intralesional infusion of urokinase (4400 IU/kg over 10 min followed by 4400 IU/kg per hour over 24 h). RESULTS: Eight patients, mean age 47.77±12.20 years presented with subacute pulmonary embolism (mean duration of symptoms 2.4 wk). At presentation, mean heart rate, shock index, miller score and mean pulmonary pressures were 101.5±15.2/min, 0.995±0.156, 23.87±3.76 and 37.62±6.67 mmHg which reduced to 91.5±12.2/min (P=0.0325), 0.789±0.139 (P=0.0019), 5.87±1.73 (P=0.0000004) and 27.75±8.66 mmHg (P=0.0003) post procedurally. Mean BP improved from 80.00±3.09 mmHg to 90.58±9.13 mmHg (P=0.0100) post procedurally. Minor complications in the form of local hematoma-minor hematoma in 1 (12.5%), and pseudoaneurysm (due to femoral artery puncture) in 1 (12.5 %) patient were seen. At 30 d and 6 mo follow up survival rate was 100% and all the patients were asymptomatic and in New York Heart Association class 1. CONCLUSION: Combined modality of mechanical fragmentation and intralesional thrombolysis appears to be a promising alternative to high risk surgical procedures in patients with subacute massive pulmonary embolism.     

Hypothyroidism Complicating Pregnancy

In this report we describe 26 pregnancies complicated by hypothyroidism cared for over 6.5 years at AIIMS, New Delhi. In 2 women hypothyroidism was diagnosed during pregnancy; others were diagnosed before pregnancy and continued to receive thyroxine replacement therapy throughout pregnancy. The thyroxine treatment needed readjustment in 7 (26.9%) pregnancies to maintain euthyroidism. Maternal complications included anaemia (23.0%), pregnancy induced hypertension (26.9%), postpartum haemorrhage (7.7%), intrauterine growth retardation (15.4%), postdatism (30.8%), and deficient lactation (19.2%). Perinatal mortality was 3.9%. No case of stillbirth occurred probably because of intensive fetal monitoring and timely termination of pregnancies on evidence of intrauterine fetal compromise. One neonatal death occurred due to fetal thyrotoxicosis. In these cases close surveillance during pregnancy is needed to maintain optimum thyroid hormone concentration, and intensive fetal monitoring is required to achieve a good perinatal outcome.     

Broad ligament hematoma causing fetal death in a case of fracture pelvis

Although motor ventricular accidents complicates 6-7% of all pregnancies, the experience of pelvic fractures in near term gravid patients is limited. We present a unique case of fetal death caused by bilateral broad ligament hematomas following maternal pelvic fracture which improved our understanding of management of such cases.     

Ureteric calculi masquerading metastatic lymph nodes in a case of endometrial cancer

Extensive pelvic lymph node metastasis in the absence of risk factors was noticed at surgical staging for endometrial cancer in a 55-year-old postmenopausal women. On exploration there was a dilemma as to the disappearing lymph nodes which subsequently proved to be asymptomatic ureteric calculi. The need to palpate the pelvic side walls at the time of surgery for endometrial cancer even in cases when no nodal enlargement is detected preoperatively is highlighted.