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Introduction: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a long-term sequel to pulmonary embolism (PE) whose incidence varies according to different published studies. We have carried out this study to determine its incidence within 2 years after index pulmonary embolism and to study limitations to an early diagnosis., Material and Methods: OSIRIS is a multicentre, longitudinal cohort study. Patients were followed for 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after pulmonary embolism using a structured three-step algorithm. A physician-centered questionnaire at least one positive response in a screening proceeded to the second step, transthoracic echocardiography. The third step consisted of ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy and right heart catheterisation. A transthoracic echocardiography was performed in patients without positive response in the screening questionnaire after 2 years. CTEPH diagnosis required haemodynamic confirmation by right heart catheterisation and mismatched perfusion defects on lung scintigraphy., Results: A total of 1191 patients were enrolled in 18 Spanish hospitals. Cumulative CTEPH incidence after 2-years PE was: 2.49 % (95 % CI: 1.68-3.56) and the incidence rate of CTEPH was 1.1 cases per 1000 person-months (95 % CI: 0.725; 1.60). The CTEPH algorithm presented a lack of adherence of 29 %; patient and physician preferences posed barriers to the triage algorithm The screening questionnaire, in patients who completed the follow-up, shows a specificity of 91.3 % (89.0-93.2 %) and negative predictive value of 99.4 % (98.4-99.8 %).., Conclusions: OSIRIS provides practiced clinical based data on the chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension incidence and identified barriers to the implementation of a 3-step triage algorithm for its detection., Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03134898., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Authors declared to have no conflicts., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Chronic immobility is prevalent, especially as people age. However, little is known about venous thromboembolism (VTE) outcomes in this population., Objective: To compare the presentation, treatment, and outcomes in chronically immobile (>8 weeks) patients older vs. younger than 75 who presented with VTE., Design: An observational international registry of patients with VTE., Participants: Patients with acute VTE from the "Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbolica" (RIETE) registry who were chronically immobile., Main Measures: Baseline characteristics, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and outcomes including major bleeding, recurrent VTE, and mortality., Key Results: Among 4612 immobile patients (mean age 75.7 years, 34% male), 2127 (46%) presented with pulmonary embolism (PE). Patients >75 years presented more often with dyspnea (44% vs. 38%) or altered mental status (23% vs. 8.1%) and less often with chest pain (13% vs. 18%). The median duration of anticoagulation was shorter in older compared with younger patients [126 vs. 169 days]. During the first 90 days of anticoagulation, major bleeding (4.0% vs. 2.2%), PE-related death (2.5% vs. 1.1%), and bleeding-related death (0.78% vs. 0.26%) occurred more frequently among older patients. In 3550 patients who received anticoagulation beyond 90 days, older patients had more major bleeding [4.23 vs. 2.21 events per 100 patient years]. After anticoagulation discontinuation, recurrent VTE and major bleeding occurred in 11.8 and 9.25 and 1.49 and 0.69 events per 100 patient years, respectively, both in similar rates in both groups. In multivariable analysis, after stopping anticoagulation, VTE recurrence was inversely associated with long-term facility residence [OR 0.51 (0.28-0.92)], anemia [OR 0.63 (0.42-0.95)], and anticoagulation duration < 90 days [OR 0.38 (0.27-0.54)]., Conclusions: Chronically immobilized patients older than 75 years presenting with VTE experience a high rate of adverse events including major bleeding and recurrent VTE. When considering treatment beyond 90 days, we should account for bleeding, recurrence risk, and associated mortality., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Society of General Internal Medicine.)

Study Objectives: To characterize the biochemical and cytologic constituents of pleural effusions secondary to pulmonary embolism., Design: A descriptive clinical study., Setting: A community teaching hospital with 750 beds, which acts as a tertiary referral center for several subspecialties., Patients and Interventions: Patients with pleural effusions secondary to pulmonary embolism who underwent diagnostic thoracentesis during the last 7 years were retrospectively studied. Pleural fluid mesothelial hyperplasia was revised and compared with that found in patients with pleural effusions of different origin., Results: Pleural effusions from all 60 patients with pulmonary embolism were exudates, and in 40 patients (67%) contained erythrocyte counts > 10,000/microL. A bloody appearance was not related to the use of anticoagulant therapy before thoracentesis. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were predominant in 36 patients (60%); in 11 patients (18%), a proportion of eosinophils > 10% was found. Mesothelial hyperplasia was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary embolism than in patients in the control group (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: In the absence of trauma, a bloody or eosinophilic effusion with a marked mesothelial hyperplasia should prompt a workup to rule out embolism. The finding of transudative pleural fluid chemistries in these patients should not be assumed to be secondary to embolism before ruling out other causes of transudative effusion.

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence has been increasing in the last 10 years. Computed thoracic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) had a major role in PE diagnosis and prognosis. The main purpose of this study was as follows: the prognostic value of a CTPA parameter, pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI), in PE risk assessment and the predictive accuracy of biomarkers, D-dimer and cardiac Troponin T (c-TnT), in 7-day mortality. A second objective of the research was to investigate the relationship between imaging by PAOI and these biomarkers in different etiologies of PE. Materials and Methods: This study comprised 109 patients with PE, hospitalized and treated between February 2021 and August 2022. They had different etiologies of PE: deep vein thrombosis (DVT); persistent atrial fibrillation (AF); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation; COVID-19; and cancers. The investigations were as follows: clinical examination; D-dimer testing, as a mandatory method for PE suspicion (values ≥500 µg/L were highly suggestive for PE); c-TnT, as a marker of myocardial injury (values ≥14 ng/L were abnormal); CTPA, with right ventricle dysfunction (RVD) signs and PAOI. Treatments were according to PE risk: systemic thrombolysis in high-risk PE; low weight molecular heparins (LWMH) in high-risk PE, after systemic thrombolysis or from the beginning, when systemic thrombolysis was contraindicated; and direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in low- and intermediate-risk PE. Results: PAOI had a high predictive accuracy for high-risk PE (area under curve, AUC = 0.993). D-dimer and cTnT had a statistically significant relationship with 7-day mortality for the entire sample, p < 0.001, and for AF, p = 0.0036; COVID-19, p = 0.003; and cancer patients, p = 0.005. PAOI had statistical significance for 7-day mortality only in COVID-19, p = 0.045, and cancer patients, p = 0.038. The relationship PAOI–D-dimer and PAOI–c-TnT had very strong statistical correlation for the entire sample and for DVT, AF, COPD, and COVID-19 subgroups (Rho = 0.815–0.982). Conclusions: PAOI was an important tool for PE risk assessment. D-dimer and c-TnT were valuable predictors for 7-day mortality in PE. PAOI (imaging parameter for PE extent) and D-dimer (biomarker for PE severity) as well as PAOI and c-TnT (biomarker for myocardial injury) were strongly correlated for the entire PE sample and for DVT, AF, COPD, and COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are many factors, both acquired and inherited, known to increase the risk of VTE. Most of these result in increased risk via several common mechanisms including circulatory stasis, endothelial damage, or increased hypercoagulability. Overall, a risk factor can be identified in the majority of patients with VTE; however, not all risk factors carry the same predictive value. It is important for clinicians to understand the potency of each individual risk factor when managing patients who have a VTE or are at risk of developing VTE. With this, many providers consider performing a thrombophilia evaluation to further define a patient's risk. However, guidance on who to test and when to test is controversial and not always clear. This comprehensive review attempts to address these aspects/concerns by providing an overview of the multifaceted risk factors associated with VTE as well as examining the role of performing a thrombophilia evaluation, including the indications and timing of performing such an evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnostic strategy for pulmonary embolism (PE) includes a D‐dimer test when PE probability is low or intermediate, but false‐positive D‐dimer results are frequent and can result in an unnecessary computed tomography pulmonary angiogram. The PE rule‐out criteria (PERC) rule excludes PE without D‐dimer testing when pretest probability is <15%. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of the PERC rule strategy in patients included in the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbolica venosa (RIETE) registry. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the RIETE registry, an ongoing, international prospective registry of patients with objectively confirmed venous thromboembolism. The primary outcome was the failure rate of the PERC strategy, represented by the proportion of PERC‐negative (PERC‐N) patients with a PE included in the registry. Secondary outcomes were a comparison of the clinical characteristics, treatment strategy, and outcome of PERC‐N versus PERC‐positive (PERC‐P) patients at 3 months. Results: From 2001 to 2021, a total of 49,793 patients with acute PE were enrolled in the RIETE registry. We included 48,903 in the final analysis after exclusion of 890 patients with an undetermined PERC status. Only 346 patients were PERC‐N with a failure rate of 0.7% (95% confidence interval 0.6%–0.8%). PERC‐N patients presented more frequently with chest pain but less often with dyspnea, syncope, or hypotension. They also had subsegmental or segmental PE more frequently, were more often treated with direct oral anticoagulants, and received mechanical or pharmacological thrombolysis less often. In addition, PERC‐N patients had a lower incidence of recurrent deep vein thrombosis, major bleeding, and death attributed to PE during the 3‐month follow‐up. Conclusions: A low failure rate of the PERC rule was observed in the RIETE registry, thus supporting its use to safely identify patients with an unlikely probability of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic immobility is prevalent, especially as people age. However, little is known about venous thromboembolism (VTE) outcomes in this population. Objective: To compare the presentation, treatment, and outcomes in chronically immobile (>8 weeks) patients older vs. younger than 75 who presented with VTE. Design: An observational international registry of patients with VTE. Participants: Patients with acute VTE from the "Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbolica" (RIETE) registry who were chronically immobile. Main Measures: Baseline characteristics, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and outcomes including major bleeding, recurrent VTE, and mortality. Key Results: Among 4612 immobile patients (mean age 75.7 years, 34% male), 2127 (46%) presented with pulmonary embolism (PE). Patients >75 years presented more often with dyspnea (44% vs. 38%) or altered mental status (23% vs. 8.1%) and less often with chest pain (13% vs. 18%). The median duration of anticoagulation was shorter in older compared with younger patients [126 vs. 169 days]. During the first 90 days of anticoagulation, major bleeding (4.0% vs. 2.2%), PE-related death (2.5% vs. 1.1%), and bleeding-related death (0.78% vs. 0.26%) occurred more frequently among older patients. In 3550 patients who received anticoagulation beyond 90 days, older patients had more major bleeding [4.23 vs. 2.21 events per 100 patient years]. After anticoagulation discontinuation, recurrent VTE and major bleeding occurred in 11.8 and 9.25 and 1.49 and 0.69 events per 100 patient years, respectively, both in similar rates in both groups. In multivariable analysis, after stopping anticoagulation, VTE recurrence was inversely associated with long-term facility residence [OR 0.51 (0.28–0.92)], anemia [OR 0.63 (0.42–0.95)], and anticoagulation duration < 90 days [OR 0.38 (0.27–0.54)]. Conclusions: Chronically immobilized patients older than 75 years presenting with VTE experience a high rate of adverse events including major bleeding and recurrent VTE. When considering treatment beyond 90 days, we should account for bleeding, recurrence risk, and associated mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Predictive tools for major bleeding (MB) using machine learning (ML) might be advantageous over traditional methods. We used data from the Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) to develop ML algorithms to identify patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) at increased risk of MB during the first 3 months of anticoagulation. A total of 55 baseline variables were used as predictors. New data prospectively collected from the RIETE were used for further validation. The RIETE and VTE‐BLEED scores were used for comparisons. External validation was performed with the COMMAND‐VTE database. Learning was carried out with data from 49 587 patients, of whom 873 (1.8%) had MB. The best performing ML method was XGBoost. In the prospective validation cohort the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and F1 score were: 33.2%, 93%, 10%, and 15.4% respectively. F1 value for the RIETE and VTE‐BLEED scores were 8.6% and 6.4% respectively. In the external validation cohort the metrics were 10.3%, 87.6%, 3.5% and 5.2% respectively. In that cohort, the F1 value for the RIETE score was 17.3% and for the VTE‐BLEED score 9.75%. The performance of the XGBoost algorithm was better than that from the RIETE and VTE‐BLEED scores only in the prospective validation cohort, but not in the external validation cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical significance and optimal therapy of patients with subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) remain controversial. We used the data in the RIETE Registry to compare the baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcomes during anticoagulation and after its discontinuation in patients with asymptomatic vs. symptomatic SSPE. From January 2009 to September 2022, there were 2135 patients with a first episode of SSPE, of whom 160 (7.5%) were asymptomatic. Most patients in both subgroups received anticoagulant therapy (97% vs. 99.4%, respectively). During anticoagulation, 14 patients developed symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) recurrences, 28 lower-limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 54 bled, and 242 died. The patients with asymptomatic SSPE had similar rates of symptomatic PE recurrences (hazard ratio (HR): 2.46; 95% CI: 0.37–9.74), DVT (HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.03–2.80), or major bleeding (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.21–2.42) to those with symptomatic SSPE, but had a higher mortality rate (HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.25–2.94). The rate of major bleeding outweighed the rate of PE recurrences (54 major bleeds vs. 14 PE recurrences), and the rate of fatal bleeds outweighed the rate of fatal PE recurrences (12 vs. 6 deaths). After discontinuing anticoagulation, the patients with asymptomatic SSPE had a similar rate of PE recurrences (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.20–4.55) and a non-significantly higher mortality rate (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 0.92–4.10). The patients with asymptomatic SSPE had similar rates of PE recurrences to those with symptomatic SSPE, during and after discontinuing anticoagulation. The unexpectedly higher rate of major bleeding than recurrences highlights the need for randomized trials to find the best management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who develop pulmonary embolism (PE) in the full spectrum of patient care settings need to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, treatment, and 90-day outcomes in patients diagnosed with PE while recovering from COVID-19 in the outpatient setting versus those who were diagnosed with PE while being hospitalized with COVID-19. Data from the international Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) registry were used. The major study outcomes were all-cause death, major bleeding, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrences during the first 90 days after PE. From March 2020 to March 2021, 737 patients with COVID-19 experienced acute PE. Of these, 340 (46%) were recovering from COVID-19 as outpatients (267 patients who had been treated at home for COVID-19 and 73 discharged after being hospitalized with COVID-19). Compared with inpatients with COVID-19, those recovering in the outpatient setting upon PE were less likely to be men (odds ratio [OR]: 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.72) and less likely to have hypertension (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.41–0.74) or diabetes (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33–0.76). At 90-day follow-up, eight patients (none recovering from COVID-19 as outpatient vs. 2.4% of inpatients with COVID-19) developed recurrent VTE, 34 (1.9 vs. 7.9%) had major bleeding, and 128 (10 vs. 24%) died. On multivariable analysis, inpatients with COVID-19 were at a higher risk of major bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 6.80; 95% CI: 1.52–30.4) or death (adjusted HR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.40–3.58). In conclusion, using a large multinational registry of patients with COVID-19 who experienced PE, thromboembolic episodes occurring in those recovering from COVID-19 as outpatients were associated with less ominous outcomes than inpatients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Syncope has been shown to be a risk factor of bleeding in patients receiving thrombolytic therapy for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Whether syncope predicts bleeding in a broader population of patients with PE remains unknown. Methods: We used the RIETE registry data to assess whether initial presentation with syncope could predict bleeding in PE patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, and to explore the association between presence of syncope and timing and site of major bleeding events. Results: Among 45,765 patients with acute PE from March 2001 to January 2021, 6760 (14.8%) had syncope. Patients with syncope were older and more likely to have hypotension, tachycardia, hypoxaemia or elevated troponin levels than those without syncope. They also were more likely to receive thrombolytics. During the first 90 days, 1097 patients (2.4%) suffered major bleeding (gastrointestinal 335, hematoma 271 and intracranial 163) and 3611 died (158 had fatal bleeding). Patients with syncope had a higher rate of major bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.41–1.89) and a nonsignificantly higher rate of fatal bleeding (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 0.99–2.17) than those without syncope. Multivariable analysis confirmed that patients with syncope were at increased risk for major bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.15–1.55). On sensitivity analysis, the increased risk for major bleeding was confirmed in patients initially receiving anticoagulant therapy without thrombolytics at 7 days (aHR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.13–1.91) and 90 days (aHR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.13–1.56). Discussion: Syncope is a predictor of major bleeding events in patients with PE, even among those receiving anticoagulation monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk stratification is recommended for patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), and usually starts with the assessment of the hemodynamic status and the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI). The influence of acute kidney injury (AKI) on the prognostic stratification has not been evaluated according to the "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes" (KDIGO). AKI was computed according to the KDIGO definition in patients with acute PE in the RIETE (Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbolica) registry. Patients with hemodynamic instability were considered high-risk. Normotensive patients were stratified according to the sPESI score (low-risk: sPESI = 0; intermediate-risk: sPESI > 0). The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were major bleeding and VTE recurrences during the same period. Among 30,532 patients with PE, 1108 (3.6%) were classified to be at high-risk, 10,577 (34.6%) at low-risk, and the remaining 18,847 (61.8%) at intermediate-risk of adverse events. At baseline, 7879 (26%) had AKI. Overall, 1543 of 30,532 patients (5.1%) died within the first 30 days. The presence of AKI was associated with increased mortality rates in all subgroups of patients: in those at low-risk it increased from 0.46 to 3%, in intermediate-risk from 5.4 to 10%, and in high-risk patients from 9.4 to 18%. The presence of AKI was also associated with an increased risk of major bleeding in all subgroups. The addition of the AKI status to the sPESI score improved the prediction of the 30-day mortality and may be particularly helpful for decisions such as identification of low-risk patient for home discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, limited data exist on patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes. To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and short-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with VTE during hospitalization for COVID-19. This is a prospective multinational study of patients with incident VTE during the course of hospitalization for COVID-19. Data were obtained from the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) registry. All-cause mortality, VTE recurrences, and major bleeding during the first 10 days were separately investigated for patients in hospital wards versus those in intensive care units (ICUs). As of May 03, 2020, a total number of 455 patients were diagnosed with VTE (83% pulmonary embolism, 17% isolated deep vein thrombosis) during their hospital stay; 71% were male, the median age was 65 (interquartile range, 55–74) years. Most patients (68%) were hospitalized in medical wards, and 145 in ICUs. Three hundred and seventeen (88%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 84–91%) patients were receiving thromboprophylaxis at the time of VTE diagnosis. Most patients (88%) received therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin, and 15 (3.6%) received reperfusion therapies. Among 420 patients with complete 10-day follow-up, 51 (12%; 95% CI: 9.3–15%) died, no patient recurred, and 12 (2.9%; 95% CI: 1.6–4.8%) experienced major bleeding. The 10-day mortality rate was 9.1% (95% CI: 6.1–13%) among patients in hospital wards and 19% (95% CI: 13–26%) among those in ICUs. This study provides characteristics and early outcomes of patients diagnosed with acute VTE during hospitalization for COVID-19. Additional studies are needed to identify the optimal strategies to prevent VTE and to mitigate adverse outcomes associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of patient empowerment and precision medicine, access to timely information is critical to decision-making. Unfortunately, we currently lack patient-specific, real-time data about clinical presentation, risk of thrombotic or hemorrhagic events, key risk factors, and adverse outcomes in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Accordingly, the R egistro I nformatizado E nfermedad T rombo E mbólica (RIETE) investigators developed a tool to provide an open-source, real-time graphic representation of VTE-related data derived from over 90 000 patients with confirmed VTE. This information is intended to facilitate discussion in the informed decision-making process. The current article describes the aims, rationale, methods, and ongoing and future efforts of the real-time VTE infographics developed by the RIETE registry collaborators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Pleural effusion is seen in around half of the cases of pulmonary embolism (PE). There are no data on the incidence of pleural effusion in cases of PE in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This study was done to determine the frequency and radiological features of pleural effusion in cases of acute PE and also to characterize the pleural fluid biochemistry and cell type in patients subjected to diagnostic thoracentesis. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational single‑center study. All the data of patients subjected to computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in suspected cases of acute PE over a 4‑year period were analyzed. Results: A total of 1756 patients were subjected to CTPA from January 2013 to December 2016. A diagnosis of acute PE was made in 200 patients (11.4%). Pleural effusion was identified in 70 cases (35%). Majority of the effusions were small to moderate in size, bilateral, and associated with peripheral emboli. Consolidation, atelectasis, and ground glass attenuation were common associated findings on CTPA in these patients. Consolidation was more common in patients of PE associated with pleural effusion as compared to those with PE alone (62.85% and 33.8%, respectively, odds rato: 3.279 and 95% confidence interval: 1.798–6.091, P < 0.001). Diagnostic thoracentesis was done in 6 (8.6%) of the cases. All the patients had an exudative effusion with normal glucose values and neutrophil predominance. Conclusion: PE was associated with pleural effusion in around one‑third of the patients in Bahrain. The effusions were mainly small and bilateral. The emboli in cases associated with pleural effusion were mostly peripheral. Consolidation was the parenchymal abnormality detected on CTPA which was significantly associated with the presence of pleural effusion. Most of the pleural effusions were not suitable for thoracentesis. In patients subjected to fluid analysis, the effusions were exudative, neutrophilic predominant, and associated with normal glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knee arthroscopy is the most common orthopedic procedure worldwide. While incidence of post-arthroscopy venous thromboembolic events (VTE) is low, treatment patterns and patient outcomes have not been described. Patients from the “Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbolica” who had confirmed post-arthroscopy VTE were compared to patients with provoked, post bone-fracture, and to patients with unprovoked VTE. Baseline characteristics, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and outcomes including recurrent VTE, bleeds or death were compared. A total of 101 patients with post-arthroscopy VTE and 19,218 patients with unprovoked VTE were identified. Post-arthroscopy patients were younger (49.5 vs. 66 years, P < 0.0001) and had less history of VTE [5.9% vs. 20%, OR 0.26 (0.11-0.59)]. Among patients with isolated DVT, there were fewer proximal DVT in the post-arthroscopy group [40% vs. 86%, OR 0.11 (0.06-0.19)]. Treatment duration was shorter in the post-arthroscopy group (174 ± 140 vs. 311 ± 340 days, P < 0.0001) and more often with DOAC [OR 3.67 (1.95-6.89)]. Recurrent VTE occurred in 6.18 (1.96-14.9) and 11.9 (11.0-12.8) per 100 patient years [HR 0.52 (0.16-1.26)] after treatment in the post-arthroscopy and unprovoked groups, respectively. Recurrent VTE occurred in 5.17 (1.31-14.1) per 100 patient years in a separate post bone-fracture group (n = 147), also not statistically different than the post-arthroscopy recurrence rate. After anticoagulation cessation, some patients post-knee arthroscopy develop VTE. While our small sample size precludes drawing firm conclusions, this signal should warrant further research into the optimal treatment duration for these patients, as some patients may be at increased risk for long-term recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small studies have suggested differences in demographics and outcomes between left- and right-sided deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and also unilateral versus bilateral DVT. We investigated the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with DVT based on thrombus sidedness. The authors used the data from the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Trombo Embólica (RIETE) database (2001-2016) to identify patients with symptomatic proximal lowerextremity DVT. Main outcomes included cumulative 90-day symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) and 1-year mortality. Overall, 30,445 patients were included. The majority ofDVTs occurred in the left leg (16,421 left-sided, 12,643 right-sided, and 1,390 bilateral; p < 0.001 for chisquared test comparing all three groups). Comorbidities were relatively similar in those with leftsided and right-sided DVT. Compared with those with left-sided DVT, patients with right-sided DVT had higher relative frequency of PE (26% versus 23%, p < 0.001) and 1-year mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.18). This difference in mortality did not persist after multivariable adjustment (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.93-1.1). Patients with bilateral DVT had a greater burden of comorbidities such as heart failure, and recent surgery compared with those with unilateral DVT (p < 0.001), and higher relative frequency of PE (48%), and 1-year mortality (24.1%).Worse outcomes in patients with bilateralDVTwere attenuated but persisted after multivariable adjustment for demographics and risk factors (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.43-1.87). Patients with bilateral DVT had worse outcomes during and after discontinuation of anticoagulation. There is a left-sided preponderance for proximal lower-extremity DVT. Compared with those with left-sided DVT, patients with right-sided DVT have slightly higher rates of PE. Bilateral DVT is associated with markedly worse short-term and 1-year outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), male sex has been associated with an increased risk of occult cancer. The influence of sex on clinical characteristics, treatment, cancer sites, and outcome has not been thoroughly investigated yet. We used the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbólica registry to compare the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, cancer sites, and clinical outcomes in patients with VTE having occult cancer, according to sex. As of June 2014, 5864 patients were recruited, of whom 444 (7.6%; 95% confidence interval: 6.8-8.2) had occult cancer. Of these, 246 (55%) were men. Median time elapsed from VTE to occult cancer was 4 months (interquartile range: 2-8.4), with no sex differences. Women were older, weighed less, and were less likely to have chronic lung disease than men. The most common cancer sites were the lung (n = 63), prostate (n = 42), and colorectal (n = 29) in men and colorectal (n = 38), breast (n = 23), uterine (n = 18), hematologic (n = 17), or pancreas (n = 15) in women. Men were more likely to have lung cancer than women (2.18% vs 0.30%; P < .01) and less likely to have pancreatic cancer (0.17% vs 0.5%; P = .03). Interestingly, breast cancer was more likely found in women aged ≥50 years than in those aged <50 years (0.97% vs 0.14%; P = .03). This study highlights the existence of sex differences in patients with VTE having occult cancer. One in every 2 men had lung, prostate, or colorectal cancer. In women, there is a heterogeneity of cancer sites, increasing risk of breast cancer in those aged >50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The outcome of patients with upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) has not been consistently compared with that in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). Methods: We used the Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad Trombo Embólica (RIETE) registry to compare the outcomes during the course of anticoagulant therapy in patients with UEDVT versus outcomes in patients with LEDVT. Results: As of August 2015, 37,366 patients with acute DVT had been enrolled in RIETE: 35094 (94%) had LEDVT, 1334 (3.6%) non-catheter related UEDVT (672 unprovoked and 662 provoked) and 938 (2.5%) had catheter-related UEDVT. During the course of anticoagulation, patients with unprovoked UEDVT had a higher rate of DVT recurrences (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.37-3.43) and a similar rate of PE recurrences or major bleeding than those with unprovoked LEDVT. Patients with non-catheter-related provoked UEDVT had a similar outcome than those with provoked LEDVT. Among patients with UEDVT, those with non-catheter related unprovoked UEDVT had a lower rate of PE recurrences (HR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0-0.35) and major bleeding (HR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08-0.46) than those with catheter-related UEDVT or those with non-catheter related provoked UEDVT (HR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.004-0.60; and 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08-0.52, respectively). On multivariable analysis, any difference had disappeared. Conclusion: During the course of anticoagulation, patients with UEDVT had a similar outcome than those with LEDVT. Among UEDVT patients, there were some differences according to the presence of catheter or additional risk factors for DVT. These differences disappeared after adjusting for potentially confounding variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etiologic diagnosis of an eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) presents a diagnostic challenge when intrapleural air and blood have been ruled out as its proximate causes. Among the causes of EPE, those that require immunosuppression for the underlying disease include connective tissue diseases, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and eosinophilic pneumonia. We present a case of clinically suspected Behcet's syndrome based on a 10-year history of recurrent multiple oral ulcers and human leukocyte antigen-B51 positivity who presented with only an EPE. Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram ruled out central thoracic vein thrombosis but was inconclusive in ruling out a subsegmental pulmonary embolism. The patient declined immunosuppressants and while on follow-up developed bilateral extensive acute lower limb deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Upper infrarenal inferior vena cava demonstrated chronic thrombosis suggestive of its antecedent role in pulmonary embolism-related EPE during the first instance. Behcet's syndrome-related EPE can be associated with venous thromboembolism, and immunosuppressive therapy prevents the subsequent thrombotic episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The influence of smoking habits on mortality, VTE recurrence, and major bleeding in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been consistently evaluated. Materials and Methods: We used data from the RIETE (Registro Enfermedad TromboEmbólica) registry to compare mortality, VTE recurrence, and major bleeding risk in smoking versus non-smoking patients with acute VTE. Results: 50,881 patients (43,426 non-smoking and 7455 smoking patients) were included. After a median follow-up of 8.8 months, 7110 patients died (fatal PE 292 and fatal bleeding 281), 3243 presented VTE recurrence, and 1579 had major bleeding. At multivariate analysis, smoking behavior was associated with a higher hazard of death, (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.19–1.40). The risk of VTE recurrence was marginally increased in smoking patients compared to non-smoking patients (1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.27). Major bleeding did not differ in smoking and non-smoking patients (1.15; 95% CI: 0.96–1.38). The presence of cancer did not appear to influence the association between smoking habits and death (HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.22–1.47 in cancer patients and HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.45 in non-cancer patients, respectively) Conclusions: the risk of death after an acute episode of VTE appeared to be higher in smoking than in non-smoking patients and this risk is higher between patients presenting PE at the onset of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review aims to summarize the epidemiology, current pathophysiologic understanding, and state-of-the-art treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients.Recent Findings: The risk of VTE varies among cancer patients. Recently introduced prediction models better identify those at high risk of VTE. New mechanisms underlying hypercoagulability in cancer have been uncovered. Initial data on the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with low-molecular weight heparin to treat VTE in patients with cancer are promising. However, they may be associated with higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.Summary: VTE causes significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Our understanding of the mechanisms of VTE, including those associated with cancer treatments, has significantly grown. The assessment of the benefit/risk balance of VTE treatment remains challenging in many patients with cancer. The introduction of DOACs has expanded treatment options, but knowledge on their efficacy and safety is incomplete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]