Search Results (48)

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy is associated with increased procoagulant conditions, and when combined with obesity, it can elevate the risk of thrombosis. The study aims to assess thrombosis risk markers during pregnancy in relation to obesity. Methods: Somatically healthy women aged 18–42 years with spontaneous pregnancies who did not receive specific antithrombotic treatment were enrolled in the study (n = 97). The participants were divided into groups based on pregestational BMI: the first group consisted of patients who had a BMI ≤ 25 (n = 42), and the second group consisted of patients who were overweight (BMI > 25) and obese (BMI > 30) (n = 55). The control group comprised healthy, non-pregnant, non-obese women (n = 10). Results: Fibrinogen levels, elevated during pregnancy, were higher in the II and III trimesters, with gestational period having a greater influence than BMI. Moderate D-dimer accumulation was observed regardless of obesity, but higher levels were seen in obese women during the III trimester, indicating the dissolution of intravascular fibrin deposits. Soluble fibrin was significantly higher in obese and overweight women during the II trimester and elevated in both groups during the III trimester, correlating with D-dimer accumulation and indicating thrombus formation. A decrease in platelet aggregation ability was observed correlating with D-dimer and soluble fibrin patterns. Conclusions: A significant accumulation of thrombosis risk markers was observed in the III trimester compared to the II, occurring earlier in obese and overweight pregnant women and indicating a higher risk of thrombotic complications in obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sepsis and septic shock are the most severe forms of infection. Due to the intensive cross-talk of the coagulation and immune system, coagulopathies regularly occur in sepsis. The International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis refers to these coagulation abnormalities as sepsis-induced coagulopathies (SICs). The presence of SICs can be assessed using the SIC score. In parallel, a score for “sepsis-associated coagulopathy” (SAC) was introduced that, in contrast to the SIC score, allows coagulopathy to be classified according to its severity. In the past, multicenter, randomized controlled trials have repeatedly failed to prove the efficacy of specific therapeutic measures targeting SICs or SACs. This could potentially be explained by insufficient knowledge about the prevalence and incidence of SIC and the rate of spontaneous recovery. The Incidence of Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy (INSIC) trial is intended to address this problem. Methods: The aim of the INSIC trial is to measure the incidence and prevalence of SIC—in addition to the rate of spontaneous SIC recoveries—during the first days of sepsis treatment to provide a solid base of data for future interventional trials. We aim to include all patients with sepsis treated in any one of 150 participating intensive care units in 100 hospitals located in Austria, Luxembourg, and Germany to determine the prevalence of SIC (on day 1 of the study period as well as on three selected days in the fourth quarter of each year from 2019 to 2024). SIC incidence will be assessed over a 14-day period starting on 10 March 2025. Secondary endpoints are 28-day survival and the occurrence of severe thromboembolic events and bleeding. In addition, each of the aforementioned outcome parameters will be assessed for correlation with the severity classification of the SAC score. Conclusions: The INSIC trial is the first study to determine the prevalence as well as the incidence of SIC, to prospectively examine the course of SIC longitudinally over a 14-day period, and to determine the rate of spontaneous recoveries within 72 h under standard treatment in a large cohort of patients. This information will provide a sound basis for future studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The natural course of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remains unclear. Many of them remain stable over time and few experience patterns of growth. The spontaneous regression of IAs without any microsurgical or endovascular treatment is a very rare phenomenon. This paper reports the case of a 56-year-old female who experienced spontaneous regression of her IA. Furthermore, it contains a systematic literature review to explore reported cases of spontaneous IA regression. Methods: The case of a 56-year old female patient who presented with an anterior communicating artery (ACom) IA that thrombosed spontaneously after 108 months follow-up is reported. Additionally, a systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline database to identify reported cases. Results: The IA showed spontaneous regression without any surgical or endovascular intervention. We identified 33 articles describing IAs with spontaneous regression. Reported reasons for spontaneous IA thrombosis included (1) anatomical factors like narrow aneurysmal necks; (2) coagulation pathway modifications, including antifibrinolytic activity that promotes thrombosis; and (3) hemodynamic changes such as altered blood flow dynamics and external vascular compression. These findings suggest that spontaneous regression, while rare and unpredictable, can be associated with distinct physiological and anatomical conditions. Conclusions: The spontaneous regression of IAs is an extremely rare phenomenon. It cannot reliably be predicted and may be associated with changes in the hemodynamic situation, specific anatomical constellations, or coagulation pathways. Full article

As spontaneous ascending aortic thrombi (AATs) are uncommon in modern clinical practice, despite the application of new technology and the widespread use of contrast-enhanced computer tomography during primary assessments in patients without underlying predisposing conditions, a thrombus floating in the ascending aorta is rarely discovered in a timely manner; moreover, the ascending tract represents an unusual site for thrombus formation. The clinical presentation of AATs is also often in the form of peripheral arterial embolization, which can cause a wide variety of symptoms, from stroke to limb ischemia, and thus delay correct diagnosis. Medical management is a risky strategy, while surgical treatment is usually challenging due to the risk of thrombus dislodgement and difficulties related to prior embolization complication management. In this study, faced with a peculiar case of embolic stroke in an otherwise healthy 71-year-old woman, we analyzed the status of knowledge on spontaneous ascending aortic thrombus treatments and outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach represents the best choice for defining a patient’s timing of surgery and ensuring the management of complications. Sequential multistage treatment minimizes further complications and prevents worsening patient outcomes, leading to the best management for every possible clinical presentation. A less invasive surgical approach could lead to complete resolution of the pathology, avoiding further potentially lethal complications, facilitating postoperative management, avoiding delayed treatments, and resulting in better outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an autoimmune life-threatening prothrombotic syndrome associated with low platelet count after heparin exposure. Spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (S-HIT) is an even less frequent variant of HIT, with only a handful of reports available in the literature, where unexplained thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis without recent heparin exposure occurs in the setting of positive anti-PF4 antibodies. Case Presentation: We report a case of S-HIT associated with pulmonary artery embolism, left internal jugular vein, and cerebral vein sinus thrombosis complicated with ipsilateral acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Discussion: It is important to highlight that in patients with otherwise unexplained thrombocytopenia and prior exposure to an inflammatory process, S-HIT should be on the differential. Conclusions: Recognition and avoidance of heparin exposure is the most important aspect of S-HIT, as the management is otherwise similar to HIT. Full article

Objectives and Methods: We developed a 10-item VAP care bundle to address the high incidence of VAP in Vietnamese intensive care units (ICUs), comprising (i) hand hygiene, (ii) head elevation (gatch up 30–45°), (iii) oral care, (iv) oversedation avoidance, (v) breathing circuit management, (vi) cuff pressure control, (vii) subglottic suctioning of secretions, (viii) daily assessment for weaning and a spontaneous breath trial (SBT), (ix) early ambulation and rehabilitation, and (x) prophylaxis of peptic ulcers and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). The VAP incidence (27.0 per 1000 mechanical ventilation days) slightly and not significantly decreased in the six months after the implementation of the care bundle. Methods and Results: However, the VAP incidence (11.3 per 1000 mechanical ventilation days) significantly decreased when we updated the two-item protocol with interactive communication and education (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although the effectiveness of the interventions via protocol updates with interactive education needs further study, this intervention can make a VAP care bundle work in a resource-constrained and multidrug-resistant environment. Full article

Subclinical leaflet thrombosis is an imaging phenomenon observed after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and characterized by hypoattenuating leaflet thickening (HALT) on computed tomography angiography. The clinical implications and underlying causes remain uncertain. Hypercoagulability, a component of Virchow’s triad, may contribute to thrombus formation on bioprosthetic leaflets, but data on hypercoagulable disorders in TAVI patients and their impact on HALT are limited. The PROSTHESIS study (Prothrombotic States in Transcatheter Heart Valve Subclinical Leaflet Thrombosis) is a single-center observational cohort study aiming to include 130 TAVI patients. This pilot study aimed to (i) assess the effect of hypercoagulable disorders on HALT prevalence and (ii) evaluate their impact on the natural history of HALT. Patients were screened for common hypercoagulable disorders using genetic and functional assays and underwent multimodal imaging one year after TAVI to detect HALT. In patients with HALT, post-implant imaging was repeated after three months to assess its progression. Early results comparing 52 TAVI patients with 52 matched controls undergoing coronary angiography showed similar thrombophilia prevalence between the groups (16% vs. 12%, p = 0.565). HALT occurred in 15% of TAVI patients, more extensively in those with thrombophilia (712 mm³ vs. 135 mm³, p = 0.036). However, thrombophilia was not an independent predictor of HALT. One-year follow-up CTA revealed spontaneous HALT resolution in 63%, stability in 25%, and progression in 12%. This study aims to provide insights into HALT and its mechanisms, which may help prevent complications and improve bioprosthesis durability. Full article

Background/Objectives: The cavernous sinus air sign, historically linked to trauma or venous sinus thrombosis, has recently been reported in association with retrograde venous air embolism, often without clinical significance. Despite this, its exact prevalence, etiology, and clinical relevance remain unclear. This study aims to systematically evaluate the incidence of the cavernous sinus air sign in patients undergoing CT angiography (CTA) and to assess its potential clinical implications. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent CTA between January 2021 and December 2021. The cavernous sinus air sign was defined radiologically as air-density foci within the cavernous sinus, with Hounsfield units lower than those of orbital fat. Key variables included clinical indications for CTA, evidence of venous reflux of contrast media, the laterality of contrast injection, and the presence of brachiocephalic vein stenosis. Comparative analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the occurrence of the cavernous sinus air sign. Results: Among the 2,821 patients evaluated, the cavernous sinus air sign was identified in 35 cases (1.2%). Notably, none of these patients had a history of trauma or venous sinus thrombosis. Follow-up CT imaging was available for 27 of the 35 cases (77.1%), and in all instances, the cavernous sinus air sign resolved spontaneously. A statistically significant association was found between the cavernous sinus air sign and left-sided peripheral intravenous contrast injection, observed in 8.6% of affected patients compared to 1.5% in those without the sign (p = 0.001). Venous reflux into the internal jugular vein was also more frequent in patients with the air sign (34.3% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.001). These findings suggest a mechanical component, likely related to retrograde air embolism, influenced by anatomical and procedural factors. Conclusions: The isolated presence of the cavernous sinus air sign, in the absence of relevant clinical conditions, is most likely a benign, incidental finding associated with retrograde air embolism. Full article

(1) Background: Danaparoid sodium is a heparinoid antithrombotic that has been used for over 40 years for prophylaxis of DVT in non-HIT patients and for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) with and without thrombosis. This update summarises current information on its pharmacology and reviews danaparoid dose management in a broad spectrum of clinical situations, including off-label indications. (2) Methods: Evidence from published clinical studies, case reports, compassionate use of danaparoid, and spontaneously reported serious adverse events is summarised and analysed by an interdisciplinary expert group to develop a consensus on dosing regimens of danaparoid for complex clinical situations, including vulnerable patient populations. (3) Results: Dosing regimens are proposed, together with monitoring recommendations and target anti-factor Xa ranges. (4) Conclusion: In a comprehensive summary detailed interdisciplinary dosing recommendations are described to provide a basis for safe and effective use of danaparoid. Full article

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used for the treatment of thrombosis. While inhibitors of factor IIa and factor Xa have shown effectiveness, the risk of bleeding remains a significant concern. Recently, direct factor XIa inhibitors—including asundexian and milvexian—have emerged as potential anticoagulation therapies, based on clinical observations that patients with factor XIa deficiencies seldom present with spontaneous bleeding tendencies. The interferences associated with DOACs in routine and specialised coagulation assays are well-described; however, the interferences associated with emerging FXIa inhibitors are largely uncharacterised. Here, we briefly report the impact of asundexian and milvexian in routine coagulation assays using in vitro plasma-based systems. Asundexian and milvexian induce concentration-dependent prolongations in APTT-based assays with curvilinear regressions, which may be suitable for the measurement of pharmacodynamic effects at peak levels ex vivo. We also report differential sensitivities of APTT-based assays—particularly at higher FXIa inhibitor concentrations—highlighting the clinical need for an extensive evaluation of interferences associated with FXIa inhibitors in coagulation assays. Full article

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a challenging and controversial complication of cirrhosis. Experimental models that reproduce cirrhotic PVT and effective pharmacological therapies are limited. We aimed to investigate the nature course and mechanisms of PVT in cirrhosis. A novel PVT model was developed via two-step total portal vein ligation in healthy and thioacetamide (TAA)-cirrhotic rats. Circulating and liver-infiltrating neutrophils were isolated from individuals with cirrhosis to examine neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and explore their unique characteristics and implications in PVT-associated fibrosis in cirrhosis. We further validated macrophage–myofibroblast transition (MMT) via multiplex immunofluorescence and single-cell sequencing. In the experimental model, cirrhosis promoted PVT development and portal vein intimal thickening. Interestingly, cirrhosis promoted spontaneous resolution of PVT due to instability of thrombus structure, along with pulmonary and intrahepatic clots. NETs-MMT mediate cirrhotic PVT and PVT-associated fibrosis, including fibrotic thrombus remodeling and increased hepatic collagen deposition. Mechanistically, caspase-4-dependent activation of neutrophils and GSDMD mediated the formation of NETs. The extracellular DNA of NETs promoted TGF-β1/Smad3-driven MMT. Inhibiting GSDMD with disulfiram suppressed cirrhotic PVT and prevented associated fibrosis. The cirrhotic PVT model reflected the following three main characteristics of cirrhotic PVT: spontaneous resolution, immunothrombosis, and intimal fibrosis. Targeting NETs with GSDMD inhibitors may serve as a new therapeutic concept to treat cirrhotic PVT. Full article

Spontaneous convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) is a vascular disease different from aneurysmal SAH in neuroimaging pattern, causes, and prognosis. Several causes might be considered in individual patients, with a limited value of the patient’s age for discriminating among these causes. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is the most prevalent cause in people > 60 years, but reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) has to be considered in young people. CAA gained attention in the last years, but the most known manifestation of cSAH in this context is constituted by transient focal neurological episodes (TFNEs). CAA might have an inflammatory side (CAA-related inflammation), whose diagnosis is relevant due to the efficacy of immunosuppression in resolving essudation. Other causes are hemodynamic stenosis or occlusion in extracranial and intracranial arteries, infective endocarditis (with or without intracranial infectious aneurysms), primary central nervous system angiitis, cerebral venous thrombosis, and rarer diseases. The diagnostic work-up is fundamental for an etiological diagnosis and includes neuroimaging techniques, nuclear medicine techniques, and lumbar puncture. The correct diagnosis is the first step for choosing the most effective and appropriate treatment. Full article

Portal hypertension from chronic liver disease leads to the formation of collateral blood vessels called spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS). These shunts may form from existing vessels or through neo-angiogenesis. Their location affects clinical outcomes due to varying risks and complications. This review summarizes current knowledge on SPSS, covering their clinical impact and management strategies. Recent data suggest that SPSS increases the risk of variceal bleeding, regardless of shunt size. The size of the shunt is crucial in the rising incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) linked to SPSS. It also increases the risk of portopulmonary hypertension and portal vein thrombosis. Detecting and assessing SPSS rely on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. CT enables precise measurements and the prediction of cirrhosis progression. Management focuses on liver disease progression and SPSS-related complications, like HE, variceal bleeding, and portopulmonary hypertension. Interventional radiology techniques such as balloon-occluded, plug-assisted, and coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration play a pivotal role. Surgical options are rare but are considered when other methods fail. Liver transplantation (LT) often resolves SPSS. Intraoperative SPSS ligation is still recommended in patients at high risk for developing HE or graft hypoperfusion. Full article

Background: Spontaneous orbital cephaloceles are a rare condition. The purpose of this study is to provide a description of a clinical case and to carry out a systematic literature review. Methods: A systematic review of the English literature published on the Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, according to the PRISMA recommendations. Results: A 6-year-old patient was admitted for right otomastoiditis and thrombosis of the sigmoid and transverse sinuses, as well as the proximal portion of the internal jugular vein. Radiological examinations revealed a left orbital mass (22 × 14 mm) compatible with asymptomatic orbital meningocele (MC) herniated from the superior orbital fissure (SOF). The child underwent a right mastoidectomy. After the development of symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension (ICH), endovascular thrombectomy and transverse sinus stenting were performed, with improvement of the clinical conditions and reduction of the orbital MC. The systematic literature review encompassed 29 publications on 43 patients with spontaneous orbital MC. In the majority of cases, surgery was the preferred treatment. Conclusions: The present case report and systematic review highlight the importance of ICH investigation and a pathophysiological-oriented treatment approach. The experiences described in the literature are limited, making the collection of additional data paramount. Full article

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 have been thoroughly described, there are limited published studies in the literature establishing a connection between spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and COVID-19. Cardiovascular manifestations include, among others, myocarditis, acute myocardial infraction, and thrombosis. In general, SCAD is an uncommon and underdiagnosed cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly in younger women and in patients with underlying fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Many patients with SCAD often report significant emotional stress, especially in relation with job loss, during the week preceding their cardiac event. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to societal stress and increased unemployment, factors that have been associated with cardiovascular morbidity. SCAD emerges as a rare manifestation of coronary artery disease, which a few recent case reports link to COVID-19. The aim of this article is to summarize the relevant data on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and SCAD along with a review of the reported cases on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following SARS-CoV2 infection and, thus, to provide insights about the relationship between COVID-19 and SCAD. Full article