BRIEF REPORT
Year : 2012 | Volume
: 7 | Issue : 3 | Page : 157--161
Novel approach for the management of sub-massive pulmonary embolism
Majdy M Idrees1, Enas Batubara1, Tarek Kashour2
1 Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2 Department of Cardiology, Prince Salman Heart Centre, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Correspondence Address:
Majdy M Idrees
President, Saudi Association for Pulmonary Hypertension (SAPH), Head, Pulmonary Vascular Unit, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Background: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been identified as a poor prognostic indicator in sub-massive pulmonary embolism (SPE). We hypothesized that using selective vasodilator agent is beneficial in improving RV function in patients with this condition.
Methods: We used inhaled prostacyclin analogue (Iloprost, Ventavis®) in five patients with SPE. Helical computerized tomography angiogram was confirmatory for pulmonary embolism and echocardiography was used to evaluate the RV status. All patients received inhaled Iloprost, 2.5 to 5 μg every 4 hours for 3 weeks.
Results: Patients were prospectively followed for 3 months. They were assessed at baseline before starting Iloprost treatment and at 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after treatment. All patients showed significant improvement in their functional class, Borg dyspnea score, NT pro-BNP level, and echocardiographic parameters.
Conclusion: In SPE, directing therapy toward decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance improves the associated pulmonary hemodynamic compromise and improves RV function.
How to cite this article:
Idrees MM, Batubara E, Kashour T. Novel approach for the management of sub-massive pulmonary embolism.Ann Thorac Med 2012;7:157-161
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How to cite this URL:
Idrees MM, Batubara E, Kashour T. Novel approach for the management of sub-massive pulmonary embolism. Ann Thorac Med [serial online] 2012 [cited 2023 Feb 1 ];7:157-161
Available from: https://www.thoracicmedicine.org/article.asp?issn=1817-1737;year=2012;volume=7;issue=3;spage=157;epage=161;aulast=Idrees;type=0 |
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