Correlation between Potential Risk Factors and Pulmonary Embolism in Sarcoidosis Patients Timely Treated

Abstract

Background. Some studies with inconclusive results have reported a link between sarcoidosis and an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). This study aimed at assessing a possible correlation between potential risk factors and PE in sarcoidosis patients. Methods. A total of 256 sarcoidosis patients (84 males and 172 females; mean age at diagnosis 49 ± 13) were enrolled after giving written informed consent. Clinical evaluations, laboratory and radiology tests were performed to evaluate the presence of pulmonary embolism. Results. Fifteen sarcoidosis patients with PE (4 males and 11 females; mean age at diagnosis 50 ± 11), diagnosed by lung scintigraphy and 241 sarcoidosis patients without PE (80 males and 161 females; mean age at diagnosis 47 ± 13), were observed. There was a statistically significant increase of the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the sarcoidosis group with pulmonary embolism. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as to smoking habit, obesity or hereditary thrombophilia frequency (p > 0.05, respectively). Conclusions. This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the presence of antiphospholipid antibody positivity and the pulmonary embolism events in our sarcoidosis patients. Furthermore, we propose screening for these antibodies and monitoring, aimed at timely treatment.

Interstitial Lung Disease at High Resolution CT after SARS-CoV-2-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome According to Pulmonary Segmental Anatomy

“…A total of 44 consecutive patients, who had been admitted to the Respiratory High-Dependency Unit (RHDU) of the University Hospital of Trieste between 1 October 2020 and 30 November 2020 with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrated by a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on either a nasopharyngeal swab or bronchoalveolar lavage, were retrospectively retrieved. Any patients with (i) a previous clinical history of lung disease; (ii) age < 18 years; or (iii) inadequate HRCT due to motion artifacts were excluded from the study [11][12][13][14]. Inclusion criteria were: (1) SARS-CoV-2 positive (on swab or bronchial wash); (2) age > 18 years and <80 years; (3) PaO 2 :FiO 2 < 250 mmHg; (4) bilateral infiltrates at chest radiography; (5) CRP > 100 mg/L; and/or (6) diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) according to the Berlin definition during hospitalization; and (7) at least one HRCT performed within 3 months after hospital discharge as an alternative to criteria (4) and (5) [11][12][13][14].…”

“…Any patients with (i) a previous clinical history of lung disease; (ii) age < 18 years; or (iii) inadequate HRCT due to motion artifacts were excluded from the study [11][12][13][14]. Inclusion criteria were: (1) SARS-CoV-2 positive (on swab or bronchial wash); (2) age > 18 years and <80 years; (3) PaO 2 :FiO 2 < 250 mmHg; (4) bilateral infiltrates at chest radiography; (5) CRP > 100 mg/L; and/or (6) diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) according to the Berlin definition during hospitalization; and (7) at least one HRCT performed within 3 months after hospital discharge as an alternative to criteria (4) and (5) [11][12][13][14].…”

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: An Update

“…The risk factors associated with the onset of CTEPH reported in the literature include aspects related to the acute embolic event, the presence of some conditions associated with thrombophilia, and some concomitant pathological conditions [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Pengo et al identified the presence of previous episodes of PE or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as risk factors for CTEPH, they are also reported that the greater extent of the initial embolic perfusion defect and the idiopathic presentation of pulmonary embolism are involved in the CTEPH process [ 34 ].…”

Imaging More than Skin-Deep: Radiologic and Dermatologic Presentations of Systemic Disorders

“…Irregular (2–5 mm) nodules with perilymphatic predilection causing irregular micronodular thickening of fissures and interlobular septa can be seen on HRCT. Parenchymal involvement can progress to irreversible disease manifesting as mid- to upper lung reticular opacities radiating from the hila ( Figure 2 C) [ 13 , 14 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”