[Posttraumatic thromboembolic complications: Incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology and prevention]

The Occurrence of Thrombotic Complications Due to Combat Trauma Against the Background of the COVID-19 Pandemic

An important point in the provision of highly specialized cardiac surgical care for combat trauma is determination of the optimal time, method and volume of surgical intervention, taking into account the persisting threat of infection with the SARS-COV-2 virus and associated thrombotic complications. The aim. To investigate the mechanism of development and methods of prevention of thrombotic complications resulting from combat trauma against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. We analyzed clinical case of patient R., a 37-year-old soldier with a postinfarction thrombosed aneurysm of the left ventricle. The patient underwent standard clinical and laboratory tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography, coronary angiography, computed tomography of the chest, duplex scanning of carotid arteries, arteries and veins of the upper and lower extremities. It was established that 4 months ago, during a combat mission, the service-man received a mine-explosive injury, shrapnel wounds of lower extremities, multifragmentary fracture of the right ϐibula and a gunshot wound to the right chest. The causes of post-traumatic myocardial infarction are mine-explosive injury, intramural course of the left anterior descending artery, youngage, poorly developed collaterals of coronary arteries, long-term transportation during the stages of medical evacuation and post-traumatic stress disorder. A month ago, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19, thromboembolism of the right main branch of the pulmonary artery, for which thrombolytic therapy was performed. Follow-up computed tomography showed the signs of thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries. Ultrasound examination revealed thromboses of upper and lower limbs. Thrombotic complications against the background of combat polytrauma are the result of hypercoagulation, acute inϐlammation with the release of proinϐlammatory cytokines and damage of the endothelium. SARS-COV-2 infection triggers a state of hypercoagulation and creates additional conditions for the occurrence of arterial and venous thrombosis. Considering the nature of the thrombotic lesions, was made a decision to postpone the cardiosurgical intervention for 3 months. Conclusions. Thrombotic complications are an urgent problem after combat trauma. COVID-19 is an additional risk factor for hypercoagulation and a reason for delaying elective cardiac surgery. Conducting an electrocardiography to the wounded, regardless of age, is crucial for timely diagnosis andtreatment of acute coronary events. It is important to initiate anticoagulant therapy after eliminating all possible sources of bleeding due to the high risk of thrombotic complications against the background of chest trauma and limb fractures.

Early bilateral pulmonary embolism in a polytrauma patient: About a case report

Introduction

and importance: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-known complication in polytrauma patients, associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Generally pulmonary embolism (PE) is most common between the fifth and seventh days following a significant trauma, and it is uncommon before the fourth day. Their management remains a challenge to physicians given the nature and risk of blood loss from the accompanying injuries must be considered while using anticoagulant therapy.

Case presentation

Here we present a case of acute pulmonary embolism in a previously healthy young woman that developed two days after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and varying degrees of additional blunt thoracic trauma. An angio CT scan was used to make the diagnosis, and the patient was given anticoagulant medication with close monitoring and satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that early after trauma, a considerable number of trauma patients are hypercoagulable. In patients with unexplained dyspnea/hypoxia, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and explore PE early after injury. In the case of traumatic brain injury patients with cerebral contusions, intraparenchymal haemorrhages, or subdural/extradural haemorrhages, the existence of post-traumatic PE adds to the problems.

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Our aim was to investigate the (PE) in polytrauma patients: incidence, risk factors of early occurrence, management and outcomes.

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Decision to anti-coagulate post traumatic PE is controversial, especially in polytrauma patients.

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Anticoagulation decision is guided by interval repeat CT scan and clinical picture.

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The presence of post traumatic PE poses further challenges in the management of traumatic brain injury patients with cerebral contusions, intraparenchymal haemorrhages or subdural/extradural haemorrhages.

[Bilateral proximal pulmonary embolism without associated hypoxemia. Case report]

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary embolism is a classic complication in intensive care. It is characterized by hypoxemia secondary to perturbed ventilation/perfusion ratios. We report a case of proximal and bilateral pulmonary embolism that occurred without associated hypoxemia. A spiral computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to explore unexplained fever in a patient with a negative infectious investigation. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the absence of hypoxemia in this patient.

CLINICAL CASE

A 43-year-old patient with no significant pathological history was admitted to intensive care for the management of multiple injuries following a road accident. During resuscitation, the patient developed a proximal and bilateral pulmonary embolism without signs of hypertension of the pulmonary artery or associated hypoxemia. The patient improved under treatment.

DISCUSSION

This case shows that bilateral proximal pulmonary embolism may be associated with normal gas exchange. The absence of hypoxemia could be explained by the bilateral nature of the pulmonary embolism that led to balanced ventilation/perfusion ratios on both sides. Furthermore, bronchoconstriction was bilateral, explaining the maintenance of a stable ventilation/perfusion ratio on both sides.

CONCLUSION

The presence of unexplained fever in a victim of multiple trauma, despite the absence of hypoxemia, suggests the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.