Unprovoked acute pulmonary embolism increases the risk of recurrent thromboembolic events after acute pulmonary embolism. (12th October 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yong, Wang; Hongliang, Zhang; Zhihui, Zhao; Qin, Luo; Qing, Zhao; Zhihong, Liu
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 97(2011)Supplement 3
• Page Start: A189
• Page End: A190
• Publication Date: 2011-10-12
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2011-300867.556
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Recurrent thromboembolic events is crucial after acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We investigated the predictive value of unprovoked PE in recurrence of thromboembolic events. Method: The patients with acute PE diagnosed by contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography or high-probability lung scintigraphy were consecutively enrolled. The patients were grouped by presence of definite risk factors. Group 1 : provoked PE (the patients with definite risk factors); Group 2 : unprovoked PE (the patients without definite risk factors). Then they were followed up regularly with the primary study end point of symptomatic, objectively confirmed recurrent fatal or nonfatal VTE. Results: In all 224 patients, 21 recurrent thromboembolic events occurred. 64 patients were in group 1 with 33 females (51.6%), average age of 59±16 years and only 1 recurrent thromboembolic event. Meanwhile 160 patients were in group 2 with 93 females (58.1%), average age of 60±13 years and 20 recurrent thromboembolic events. At multivariate analysis unprovoked PE was an independent predictor of recurrent VTE (HR 3.09; 95% CI 1.13 to 8.45; p<0.05). Conclusions: The risk of recurrent thromboembolic events is increased in unprovoked pulmonary embolism.