Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “EMBOLISM”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

[Transesophageal echocardiography in atrial fibrillation as diagnosis of embolic source and its relation with embolic accidents].

PURPOSE: To determine, by means of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the risk factors for intracavitary thrombosis or prethrombotic state and for embolic accidents in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We studied 49 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, submitted to clinical examination, EKG, chest X-ray, and TEE. RESULTS: Thirty percent of patients had valvopathies, 29% myocardiopathies, intracavitary thrombus or prethrombotic state were found in 37%, 40% of them had embolic accidents. We did not find statistical significance between myocardiopathies and valvulopathies. The left atrial diameter did not preview embolic accidents. We have observed 6 patients without structural cardiopathies, three of them presented embolic events, and one prethrombotic state. CONCLUSION: Embolic phenomena are inherent to atrial fibrillation and independent of structural cardiopathies, with indication to prophylactic use of oral anticoagulants.

Adult↗

[The role of embolization and chemo-embolization in the emergency treatment of hemoperitoneum caused by spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma].

Twelve caucasian patients with intraperitoneal hemorrhage due to spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by emergency transcatheter arterial embolization (n = 9) or chemoembolization (n = 3). Pretreatment angiography showed active bleeding (extravasation of contrast medium) in two patients only. Successful hemostasis was initially achieved in all patients. Early recurrence of hemorrhage was noted in 3 patients with large tumors; two were successfully treated by a second embolization and one died immediately after the first embolization. Of the 12 patients, two underwent subsequent chemoembolization while two had surgical resection of their tumors. The mean length of survival was 7 months from the time of rupture. No serious complications related to embolization or chemoembolization were noted. Our data suggest that emergency embolization or chemoembolization is an effective treatment in caucasian patients with intraperitoneal hemorrhage from hepatocellular carcinoma. Prognosis of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma in those patients, however, remains poor.

Adult↗

Systemic embolism in an infant following haemangioma embolization: a two-step process.

A case is presented of therapeutic embolization of a hypervascular hamartoma of the liver, in a term baby. During the procedure signs of pulmonary embolism occurred and the baby subsequently died from myocardial ischaemia. Potential intrathoracic shunts of the newborn together with changes associated with the vascular tumour are thought to have allowed systemic embolization of the embolic material.

Anesthesia, General↗

Incidence of embolism and paravalvar leak after St Jude Silzone valve implantation: experience from the Cardiff Embolic Risk Factor Study.

BACKGROUND: Silver coating of the sewing ring (Silzone) was introduced as a modification of the St Jude Medical standard valve to provide antibacterial protection, but the valve has recently been withdrawn. OBJECTIVE: To study patients with these prostheses to assess possible adverse effects, and to guide their follow up. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of risk factors for stroke after valve replacement. SETTING: Cardiology and cardiac surgery departments in a tertiary centre. PATIENTS: There were 51 patients with Silzone and 116 with St Jude Medical standard valves. Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were well matched for stroke risk factors. Silzone patients with mitral valve replacement were younger (mean (SD) age 61 (10) v 66 (7) years), more likely to be female (95% v 65%), and had more pulmonary arterial hypertension (100% v 78%), but fewer coronary artery bypass grafts (5% v 33%) than patients with standard mitral valve replacements (all p < 0.05). RESULTS: Follow up was 100% in the Silzone group (mean duration 3.0 (0.9) years) and 97.4% in the standard group (4.7 (1.4) years). Survival, morbidity, and anticoagulant control were documented over 682 follow up years (153 for Silzone and 529 for standard). There were six embolic strokes and one peripheral embolism in the Silzone group, all within three months after operation, and five embolic strokes and one peripheral embolism in the standard group. Freedom from major thromboembolism at three months was 65% in the Silzone mitral valve replacement group and 100% in the standard mitral valve replacement group (difference 35%, 95% confidence interval 8% to 62%). There was one reoperation for paravalvar leak in the standard group, but none in the Silzone group (NS). Anticoagulant control in the two groups was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Silzone mitral valves had a high rate of early postoperative embolism but no excess paravalvar leak.

Adult↗

A case of acute pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction with suspected paradoxical embolism after laparoscopic surgery.

We describe the case of a 59-year-old Japanese man who had an acute pulmonary embolism in addition to acute myocardial infarction after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The posterior descending coronary artery was totally occluded. and direct percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty was performed. The pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by lung perfusion scanning and was treated with anticoagulant therapy. A patent foramen ovale and right-to-left atrial shunting of blood were detected by contrast transesophageal echocardiography. Paradoxical embolism is a rare complication of pulmonary embolism and may have been responsible for the acute myocardial infarction in our patient.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Paradoxical coronary embolism causing non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in a case of pulmonary embolism.

We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman who simultaneously suffered a pulmonary embolism and a myocardial infarction due to paradoxical coronary artery embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography with injection of agitated hydroxyethyl starch revealed a patent foramen ovale. Thrombophlebistis of the left saphenous vein with extension of thrombus into the femoral vein could be identified as the source of embolism. Paradoxical coronary embolism is an underrecognized cause of MI. Diagnosis is particularly difficult, when MI and PE coincide, because of the similarity in clinical signs and symptoms of both entities. A high level of clinical suspicion and echocardiography, especially if performed soon after presentation, can be the clue to early diagnosis of PDE.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

[Arterial embolism, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism: a suggestive triad].

The aim of this study is to present a relatively rare case of paradoxical arterial embolism, found in a patient who was sent to us for serious pulmonary embolism. Taking into account that the foramen ovale, despite being functionally competent, remains anatomically patent in 30% of the adult population, we cannot neglect the possibility of a paradoxical embolism, in the presence of a sudden embolic limb ischemia unless heart pathology or aortic lesions can be held responsible. Furthermore it must not be forgotten that deep venous thrombosis in the lower limbs or in the pelvic plexus may go unobserved on a purely clinical evaluation.

Axillary Artery↗

[Isolation of the lower esophagus and fundus of the stomach by specially designed forceps to avoid ectopic embolization during the process of coronary venous embolizing therapy].

To avoid ectopic embolization occasionally occuring in embolization therapy of coronary vein of the stomach, the authors designed forceps to temporarily isolate the lower esophagus and the gastric fundus. A series of 61 patients with portal hypertension were treated with this method from march 1990 to march 1994 with no ectopic embolization. The operative mortality was 1.6%. The patients were followed up for six months to 4.5 years, with a rebleeding rate of 6%, and an improved varices in 85.4% of all cases. This is a reliable method to avoid ectopic embolization and the individualization of embolitic dosage.

Adult↗

Ovarian artery: angiographic appearance, embolization and relevance to uterine fibroid embolization.

PURPOSE: To describe the angiographic appearance of the ovarian artery and its main variations that may be relevant to uterine fibroid embolization. METHODS: The flush aortograms of 294 women who had been treated by uterine artery embolization for fibroids were reviewed. Significant arterial supply to the fibroid, and the origin and diameter of identified ovarian arteries were recorded. In patients with additional embolization of the ovarian artery, the follow-up evaluation also included hormonal levels and Doppler imaging of the ovaries. RESULTS: A total of 75 ovarian arteries were identified in 59 women (bilaterally in 16 women and unilaterally in 43 women). All ovarian arteries originated from the aorta below the level of the renal arteries with a characteristic tortuous course. Fifteen women had at least one enlarged ovarian artery supplying the fibroids. Fourteen women (14/15, 93%) presented at least one of the following factors: prior pelvic surgery, tubo-ovarian pathology or large fundal fibroids. CONCLUSION: We advocate the use of flush aortography in women with prior tubo-ovarian pathology or surgery or in cases of large fundal fibroids. In the case of an ovarian artery supply to the fibroids, superselective catheterization and embolization of the ovarian artery should be considered.

Adult↗

A new device for vascular embolization: report on case of two pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas embolization using the amplatzer vascular plug.

A pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare vascular malformation commonly treated by embolization with coils or balloons to prevent the risk of several serious complications such as cerebral embolism and brain abscess. A 32-year-old female with two PAVFs and neurological ischemic manifestations has been successfully treated by transcatheter embolization of both fistulas using a new device (Amplatzer Vascular Plug). This self-expanding cylindrical nitinol mesh cage with high radial strength allows a chance of relocation until properly positioned. It is preferred to coils or balloons because a large caliber of feeding artery implied high risk of uncontrollable distal embolization. There appear to be no reports in the literature concerning use of this device, which could represent a useful innovative tool in embolotherapies, especially in large vascular areas.

Adult↗

Partial splenic embolization for hypersplenism concomitant with or after arterial embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma in 30 patients.

PURPOSE: To study the value of partial splenic embolization (PSE) for the treatment of hypersplenism in patients undergoing embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (THAE) combined with PSE was performed in 30 patients with HCC complicating liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and hypersplenism. Gelfoam sponge was used as the embolic material for PSE and limited to 100-150 pieces. RESULTS: More than 50% of splenic parenchyma was infarcted in 27 patients. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were corrected by PSE in 25 of 27 patients with hypersplenism. In 26 patients with esophageal varices, including 5 patients with bleeding, no rebleeding occurred during a 6-17 month follow-up. Hypersplenism was not corrected in 2 of 3 patients whose infarcted splenic parenchyma was less than 50%. No splenic abscesses or other severe complications were observed. Of the 30 patients treated, 19 are still alive after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: THAE combined with PSE is a safe and effective measure for patients with HCC.

Adult↗

Right heart thrombi in pulmonary embolism: results from the International Cooperative Pulmonary Embolism Registry.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of right heart thrombi (RHTh) in pulmonary embolism. BACKGROUND: Most reports about patients with RHTh are small case series. We analyzed data referring to RHTh among 2,454 consecutive pulmonary embolism patients enrolled in the International Cooperative Pulmonary Embolism Registry. METHODS: Of the 2,454 patients, 1,113 had results available from baseline echocardiography. We compared the 42 patients with RHTh versus 1,071 without RHTh. RESULTS: Patients with RHTh had shorter duration of symptoms (2.2 +/- 2.9 days vs. 4.3 +/- 6.0 days, p = 0.013), lower systolic blood pressure (BP) (116.0 +/- 28.8 vs. 125.7 +/- 25.0 mm Hg, p = 0.008), and more frequent right ventricular hypokinesis (64% vs. 40%, p = 0.002) and congestive heart failure (26% vs. 13%, p = 0.024); but they had similar age (62.9 vs. 62.5 years), arterial oxygen pressure (71.3 +/- 26.0 vs. 69.5 +/- 30.5 mm Hg), and prevalence of cancer (14% vs. 19%). The overall mortality rate at 14 days and at three months was higher in patients with RHTh (21% vs. 11%, p = 0.032, and 29% vs. 16%, p = 0.036). The difference in early mortality was observed almost entirely within the subgroup of patients treated with heparin alone (23.5% vs. 8%, p = 0.02), despite similar clinical severity at presentation (systolic BP 122.2 +/- 24.2 vs. 127.8 +/- 24.1 mm Hg, hypotension in 5.9% vs. 3.4% patients). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute pulmonary embolism, RHTh is usually found in those more hemodynamically compromised but is also a marker of worse prognosis in initially apparently stable patients treated with heparin alone.

Aged↗

Wavelet analysis of embolic heart sound detected by precordial Doppler ultrasound during continuous venous air embolism in dogs.

UNLABELLED: The spectrum of the embolic heart sounds (EHS) detected by precordial Doppler ultrasound has been previously characterized, but only on small volumes of venous air embolism (VAE). We sought to determine whether real-time wavelet analysis is useful in analyzing the signals of EHS and whether the embolic power of the EHS for larger volumes of air is proportionate to the volume of VAE that has been reported for small volumes of VAE. A series of small air boli (0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.8 mL), followed by continuous infusion of larger volumes of air (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 mL), was injected into the external jugular vein through a central catheter in seven pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. We measured the spectrum of the Doppler heart sound (DHS) in a real-time manner by using wavelet analysis at different scales. Wavelet analysis at scale = 1 yielded satisfactory results in distinguishing abnormal EHS from normal DHS with high sensitivity (100%) and good positive predictive value (100%) compared with the conventional method, which requires an anesthesiologist to listen to the audio DHS signals in a real-time manner. There was a linear relationship (y = 1.08x + 7.89, r = 0.75, P < 0.001) between the cumulative embolic power of the EHS and the air volume introduced in the form of either bolus or continuous infusion. The 95% confidence intervals for slope and intercept were 0.89-1.27 and 7.65-8.13, respectively. Our results suggest that wavelet analysis is effective as a real-time monitor and that it is possible to distinguish larger volumes of air emboli based on previous injections of small volumes of air. IMPLICATIONS: The real-time wavelet analysis of the heart sound detected by precordial Doppler ultrasound may be useful in estimating larger volumes of air emboli based on previous injections of small volumes of air in anesthetized dogs.

Animals↗

Partial splenic embolization in five children with hypersplenism: effects of reduced-volume embolization on efficacy and morbidity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of reducing the volume of spleen infarcted during partial splenic embolization (PSE) for treatment of hypersplenism in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five children with hypersplenism underwent embolization of 30%-40% of the splenic volume. The results were compared with those of a previous study of 70%-80% PSE performed in 17 children. RESULTS: The hospital stay after the procedure was reduced from 16.0 days +/- 8.0 to 6.6 days +/- 5.6. The febrile period decreased from 15.0 days +/- 8.1 to 5.0 days +/- 6.6. The peak white blood cell count was 8,300/mm3 +/- 4,600 (8.3 x 10(9)/L +/- 4.6) versus 19,400/mm3 +/- 7,800 (19.4 x 10(9)/L +/- 7.8) in the earlier study. The peak platelet count was 153,000/mm3 +/- 65,000 (153 x 10(9)/L +/- 65) versus 636,000/mm3 +/- 406,000 (636 x 10(9)/L +/- 406). The platelet count after a mean follow-up of 14 months was 70,000/mm3 +/- 7,000 (70 x 10(9)/L +/- 7) versus 230,000/mm3 +/- 62,000 (230 x 10(9)/L +/- 62) after a mean follow-up of 45 months. The frequency of variceal hemorrhage decreased from 3.5 to 0.5 episodes per year. The frequency of epistaxis decreased from 30 to 15 episodes per month. CONCLUSION: Reduced-volume embolization decreased morbidity. All patients maintained a platelet count above baseline, and no patient required repeat embolization.

Adolescent↗

Changes in rat liver microcirculation after experimental hepatic arterial embolization: comparison of different embolic agents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hepatic arterial embolization on hepatic microcirculation in the rat liver by using different particulate agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polylactic acid microspheres, polyvinyl alcohol particles, and absorbable gelatin powder were injected into the hepatic artery of 50 rats. Saline was used as the control agent. Flow characteristics of hepatic microcirculation were qualitatively assessed on days 0 and 7 after embolization by using in vivo microscopy. Histologic specimens of the rat liver were analyzed. RESULTS: The polylactic acid (1-5 microns) injected into the hepatic artery was seen circulating through the sinusoids into the central venules. The slowing of flow observed with the injection of larger (50-200-micron) particles reflected the arterial occlusion occurring more proximally. After 7 days, all embolic agents caused vascular occlusion that led to necrosis and fibrosis. Networks of irregular, high-speed vessels that resembled arterioles and bypassed the normal sinusoids were observed. CONCLUSION: The necrotic areas observed after experimental distal occlusion of the hepatic arteries in the rats were bypassed by vessels similar to the capillarized sinusoids observed in the cirrhotic liver in humans. These vessels acted as sinusoidal shunts in the embolized territories.

Animals↗

Are all cardio-embolic strokes embolic? An autopsy study of 100 consecutive acute ischaemic strokes.

Estimates of the frequency of different types of ischaemic stroke vary widely, particularly those said to be of embolic aetiology. This retrospective autopsy study of 100 acute ischaemic strokes was undertaken to clarify the incidence of cardio-embolic stroke. Criteria for separating cardio-embolic from other forms of stroke were defined. Using these criteria, 26% of acute ischaemic strokes were cardio-embolic, 28% thrombotic, 12% atheromatous and the remainder due to various other causes including hypoperfusion with 11% being of undetermined aetiology. A significantly higher incidence of non-hypertensive cardiac disease was found in the group in whom no thrombus or thrombo-embolus was found at autopsy, suggesting that some of these strokes may have been due to unrecognised cerebral hypoperfusion. Haemodynamic stroke is probably an important and underrecognised form of acute ischaemic stroke.

Acute Disease↗

Predisposing factors of recurrent embolization in cardiogenic cerebral embolism.

To elucidate the pathophysiology of intracardiac thrombus formation, serial two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations were performed on 30 consecutive patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism in parallel with measurement of hematocrit and plasma levels of antithrombin III. The data from groups of patients with and without newly formed or enlarged thrombi were compared. Intracardiac thrombi were detected in eight of the 30 patients (27%), four at admission and four after admission. Enlargement of the thrombus was observed in four, and systemic embolization recurred in three of the eight. Antithrombin III levels already were low at admission in patients who later developed thrombi or had enlarged thrombi on serial examinations. When the development or enlargement of an intracardiac thrombus was detected by echocardiography, the diameter of the inferior vena cava was found to be reduced. At the same time, a decrease in antithrombin III and an increase in hematocrit were demonstrated. Intracardiac thrombi are frequently detected by repeated echocardiographic examination in patients with cerebral embolism. Dehydration seems to accelerate thrombus formation that is reflected by a decrease in antithrombin III. A low antithrombin III level at admission and/or a decrease in antithrombin III after admission may indicate the possible recurrence of embolism.

Antithrombin III↗

Atrial septal aneurysm plus a patent foramen ovale. A predisposing factor for paradoxical embolism and refractory hypoxemia during pulmonary embolism.

We report three consecutive cases of patients who had refractory hypoxemia and paradoxical embolism during the course of pulmonary embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography showed an atrial septal aneurysm and a patent foramen ovale in all patients. The latter was detected by an early and massive passage of contrast from the right to the left atrium. We suggest that the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm plus a patent foramen ovale greatly enhances both magnitude of shunting and the risk of systemic embolism. The presence of an atrial septal aneurysm plus a patent foramen ovale should be considered and checked using transesophageal echocardiography in every patient with significant pulmonary embolism.

Aged↗