Author/Editor     Podbregar, Matej; Gabršček, Lucija; Pakiž, Maja; Blinc, Aleš; Šabovič, Mišo; Kralj, Edvard
Title     Relation of ultrasound morphologic characteristics of central pulmonary artery thromboemboli to their ex vivo lysibility
Type     članek
Source     J Am Soc Echocardiogr
Vol. and No.     Letnik 20, št. 3
Publication year     2007
Volume     str. 276-80
Language     eng
Abstract     Background: Ultrasound morphology of massive central pulmonary artery thromboemboli (TE) is an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. The aim of this study was to asses ex vivo lysibility of morphologically different TE. Methods: Forty-five central pulmonary artery TE, collected at autopsies, were divided into hypoechoic (group A) and hyperechoic (group B) categories. TE were lysed with alteplase in a perfusing system simulating pulmonary circulation for 1 hour. Results: The grey scale mean of thrombi in group B was higher compared with group A (64 +/- 7 vs. 38 +/- 7, respectively, P < .01). Spontaneous lysis in group A did not differ compared with group B (2.2% +/- 0.5% vs. 2.1% +/- 0.4%, P = .4). After incubation with alteplase, the weight of TE was reduced more in group A than in group B (16% +/- 2% vs. 11% +/- 2%, P < .001). The grey scale mean negatively correlated with the percentage of TE weight reduction (0.768) (P < .001). Conclusion: Ultrasound morphology of TE from central pulmonary arteries correlates significantly with ex vivo lysibility. Hypoechoic TE are more susceptible to thrombolysis than hyperechoic TE.
Descriptors     AGED
FIBRINOLYTIC AGENTS
IMAGE INTERPRETATION, COMPUTER-ASSISTED
PROGNOSIS
PULMONARY ARTERY
PULMONARY EMBOLISM
THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY
TREATMENT OUTCOME
ULTRASONOGRAPHY