Acute and Critical Care

Review Article

Cardiology
Beta-blocker therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction: not all patients need it: Seung-Jae Joo; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):251-260. Published online August 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00955

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Abstract PDF: Most of the evidences for beneficial effects of beta-blockers in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were from the clinical studies published in the pre-reperfusion era when anti-platelet drugs, statins or inhibitors of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system which are known to reduce cardiovascular mortality of patients with AMI were not introduced. In the reperfusion era, beta-blockers’ benefit has not been clearly shown except in patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF; ≤40%). In the era of the early reperfusion therapy for AMI, a number of patients with mildly reduced EF (>40%, <50%) or preserved EF (≥50%) become increasing. However, because no randomized clinical trials are available until now, the benefit and the optimal duration of oral treatment with beta-blockers in patients with mildly reduced or preserved EF are questionable. Registry data have not showed the association of oral beta-blocker therapy with decreased mortality in survivors without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after AMI. In the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health of in-hospital survivors after AMI, the benefit of beta-blocker therapy at discharge was shown in patients with reduced or mildly reduced EF, but not in those with preserved EF, which provides new information about beta-blocker therapy in patients without reduced EF. However, clinical practice can be changed when the results of appropriate randomized clinical trials are available. Ongoing clinical trials may help to answer the unresolved issues of beta-blocker therapy in patients with AMI.

Original Article

Nursing
Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan: Mohammad Tayseer Al- Betar, Rami Masa'deh, Shaher H. Hamaideh, Fatma Refaat Ahmed, Hajar Bakkali, Mohannad Eid AbuRuz; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):333-342. Published online August 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00052

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Abstract PDF: Background
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common arrhythmia with associated symptoms such as palpitation, dizziness, and fatigue. It significantly affects patients’ quality of life (QoL). Radiofrequency cardiac ablation (RFCA) is a highly effective treatment to eliminate arrhythmia and improve patients’ QoL. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of QoL among patients with SVT and examine the difference in QoL before and after RFCA.
Methods
One group pre-posttest design with a convenience sample of 112 patients was used. QoL was assessed by 36-Item Short Form (SF-36). Data were collected at admission through face-to-face interviews and 1-month post-discharge through phone interviews.
Results
There was a significant difference between QoL before (33.7±17.0) and 1 month after (62.5±18.5) the RFCA. Post-RFCA patients diagnosed with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia had higher QoL than other types of SVT. Moreover, there were significant negative relationships between QoL and the number and duration of episodes pre- and post-RFCA. There were no significant differences in QoL based on: age, sex, working status, marital status, smoking, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
Conclusions
After RFCA, the QoL of patients with ST improved for both physical and mental component subscales.

Case Reports

Cardiology
Successful neural modulation of bedside modified thoracic epidural anesthesia for ventricular tachycardia electrical storm: Ki-Woon Kang; Received November 17, 2021 Accepted March 7, 2022 Published online May 31, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01683 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) storm can be hemodynamically compromising and life-threatening. Management of medically refractory VT/VF storm is challenging in the intensive care unit. A 38-year-old male patient was diagnosed with non-ischemic heart failure and acute kidney injury with documented frequent premature ventricular contraction with QT prolongation after recurrent VT/VF. Even though the patient was intubated with sedatives and had taken more than two anti-arrhythmic drugs with external recurrent defibrillation at bedside, the electrical storm persisted for several hours. However, medically refractory VT/VF storm can be successfully and rapidly terminated with a modified thoracic epidural anesthesia at bedside. This case demonstrates that a bedside thoracic epidural anesthesia can be an effective non-pharmacological option to treat medically refractory VT/VF storm in the intensive care unit.

Citations

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Continuous stellate ganglion block for ventricular arrhythmias: case series, systematic review, and differences from thoracic epidural anaesthesia
Veronica Dusi, Filippo Angelini, Enrico Baldi, Antonio Toscano, Carol Gravinese, Simone Frea, Sara Compagnoni, Arianna Morena, Andrea Saglietto, Eleonora Balzani, Matteo Giunta, Andrea Costamagna, Mauro Rinaldi, Anna Chiara Trompeo, Roberto Rordorf, Matte
Europace.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Cardiology
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a treatment for massive left ventricular fibroma-induced ventricular arrhythmia in a child: In Su Choi, Hyung Ki Jeong, Hyung Wook Park, Yi-Seul Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(2):164-168. Published online May 28, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2020.00269

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Abstract PDF

Pediatric cardiac tumors are rare. Among these, cardiac fibroma is the second most common. Its clinical manifestations depend on size and location of the tumor and include arrhythmia or obstruction to blood flow. Symptomatic cardiac fibroma is generally treated with surgical resection or cardiac transplantation. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with a lethal ventricular arrhythmia induced by a remnant tumor that was previously partially resected. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator was inserted as the arrhythmia was resistant to medical treatment. He was discharged in stable condition with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator generator and followed up in the outpatient clinic.

Citations

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Lipid emulsion attenuates propranolol-induced early apoptosis in rat cardiomyoblasts
Seong-Ho Ok, Seung Hyun Ahn, Soo Hee Lee, Hyun-Jin Kim, Gyujin Sim, Jin Kyeong Park, Ju-Tae Sohn
Human & Experimental Toxicology.2022; 41: 096032712211108. CrossRef

CPR/Resuscitation
Successful resuscitation of refractory ventricular fibrillation with double sequence defibrillation: SungJoon Park, Jung-Youn Kim, Young-Duck Cho, Eusun Lee, Bosun Shim, Young-Hoon Yoon; Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(1):67-69. Published online October 21, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2020.00122

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Abstract PDF

In cardiac arrest, if the initial rhythm is ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the survival rates are high and good neurologic outcomes are expected. However, the mortality rate increases when refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF) occurs. We report a case of RVF that was successfully resuscitated with double sequence defibrillation (DSD). A 51-year-old man visited the emergency department with chest pain. The initial electrocardiography showed markedly elevated ST-segment on V1–V5 leads, and VF arrest occurred. Although 10 defibrillations were administered over 20 minutes, there was no response. Two rounds of DSD were performed by placing additional pads on the patient’s anterior-posterior areas and sequentially applying the maximum energy setting. The patient returned to spontaneous circulation and was discharged with cerebral performance category 1 after 14 days of hospital admission. Therefore, DSD could be an option for treatment and termination of RVF.

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Keep shocking: Double sequential defibrillation for refractory ventricular fibrillation
Ahmed Kamal Mohamed, Mohamed Shakaib Nayaz, Ali Nawaz, Carl B Kapadia
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine.2023; 63: 178.e5. CrossRef

Original Article

Thoracic Surgery
How small is enough for the left heart decompression cannula during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?: Sua Kim, Jin Seok Kim, Jae Seung Shin, Hong Ju Shin; Acute Crit Care. 2019;34(4):263-268. Published online November 29, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2019.00577

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Abstract PDF

Background
Left ventricular (LV) distension is a recognizable problem accompanied by subsequent complications during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, no gold standard for LV decompression has been established, and no minimal flow requirement has been designated. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of the 8-Fr Mullins sheath for left heart decompression during VA-ECMO in adult patients.
Methods
Left heart decompression was performed when severe pulmonary edema was detected on chest radiography or when no generation of pulse pressure followed severe LV dysfunction in patients receiving VA-ECMO. We punctured the interatrial septum and inserted an 8-Fr Mullins sheath into the left atrium via the femoral vein. The sheath was connected to the venous catheter used for ECMO. The catheter was maintained during VA-ECMO.
Results
The left heart decompression procedure was performed in seven of 35 patients who received VA-ECMO between February 2017 and June 2018. Three patients had acute myocardial infarction; three, fulminant myocarditis; and one, dilated cardiomyopathy. Four patients showed noticeable improvement of pulmonary edema within 3 days, and three patients with a pulse pressure of <10 mm Hg showed an increase in pulse pressure of >20 mm Hg within 24 hours from the left heart decompression procedure. All seven patients were successfully weaned from VA-ECMO. No complications related to the left heart decompression procedure occurred.
Conclusions
An 8-Fr sheath may be a possible option for left heart decompression in adult patients with LV distension under VA-ECMO who are expecting recovery of LV function.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Venting during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Enzo Lüsebrink, Leonhard Binzenhöfer, Antonia Kellnar, Christoph Müller, Clemens Scherer, Benedikt Schrage, Dominik Joskowiak, Tobias Petzold, Daniel Braun, Stefan Brunner, Sven Peterss, Jörg Hausleiter, Sebastian Zimmer, Frank Born, Dirk Westermann, Holg
Clinical Research in Cardiology.2023; 112(4): 464. CrossRef
Hemodynamic Management During Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients with Cardiogenic Shock: A Review
Chengfen Yin, Lei Xu
Intensive Care Research.2023; 3(2): 131. CrossRef
Satisfactory outcome with activated clotting time <160 seconds in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Beong Ki Kim, Jeong In Hong, Jinwook Hwang, Hong Ju Shin
Medicine.2022; 101(37): e30568. CrossRef
Outcomes of left ventricular unloading with a transseptal cannula during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults
Ah‐Ram Kim, Hanbit Park, Sang‐Eun Lee, Jung‐Min Ahn, Duk‐Woo Park, Seung‐Whan Lee, Jae‐Joong Kim, Seung‐Jung Park, Jung Ae Hong, Pil‐Je Kang, Sung‐Ho Jung, Min‐Seok Kim
Artificial Organs.2021; 45(4): 390. CrossRef
Surgical minimal invasive left atrial decompression during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pediatric acute fulminant myocarditis
Li Fen Ye, Qiang Shu, Chenmei Zhang, Yong Fan, Liyang Ying, Lijun Yang, Ru Lin
World Journal of Pediatric Surgery.2021; 4(4): e000291. CrossRef
Increasing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow puts higher demands on left ventricular work in a porcine model of chronic heart failure
Pavel Hála, Mikuláš Mlček, Petr Ošťádal, Michaela Popková, David Janák, Tomáš Bouček, Stanislav Lacko, Jaroslav Kudlička, Petr Neužil, Otomar Kittnar
Journal of Translational Medicine.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Advanced Pulmonary and Cardiac Support of COVID-19 Patients
Keshava Rajagopal, Steven P. Keller, Bindu Akkanti, Christian Bime, Pranav Loyalka, Faisal H. Cheema, Joseph B. Zwischenberger, Aly El Banayosy, Federico Pappalardo, Mark S. Slaughter, Marvin J. Slepian
Circulation: Heart Failure.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Advanced Pulmonary and Cardiac Support of COVID-19 Patients: Emerging Recommendations From ASAIO—A “Living Working Document”
Keshava Rajagopal, Steven P. Keller, Bindu Akkanti, Christian Bime, Pranav Loyalka, Faisal H. Cheema, Joseph B. Zwischenberger, Aly El Banayosy, Federico Pappalardo, Mark S. Slaughter, Marvin J. Slepian
ASAIO Journal.2020; 66(6): 588. CrossRef

Case Reports

Pulmonary
Termination of Idiopathic Sustained Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia by Synchronized Electrical Cardioversion during Pregnancy: Sungmin Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2018;33(1):46-50. Published online February 20, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2016.00115

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Abstract PDF: The most common cardiac complications detected during pregnancy are an arrhythmia. However, idiopathic continuous monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) during pregnancy is unusual. A 31-year-old pregnant woman presented at 20 weeks of gestation with progressive palpitation and episodes of agitation. An initial 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm. However, 30 minutes after presenting at the emergency room, she complained of chest pain. A subsequent ECG showed wide complex monomorphic VT. We attempted to administer an antiarrhythmic drug, but the patient refused any medication because of concerns regarding possible adverse effects on the fetus. Therefore, we performed synchronized electrical cardioversion eight times. After the eighth synchronized cardioversion at 200 J, the ECG showed successful restoration of sinus rhythm. The condition of the fetus was monitored via ultrasonography and cardiotocography, and no adverse events were observed. We present the case of a successful synchronized electrical cardioversion performed in a woman at 20 weeks of gestation because of sustained symptomatic VT.

Cardiology
Recurrent Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Commotio Cordis Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia: Sanghyun Lee, Hyunggoo Kang, Taeho Lim, Jaehoon Oh, Chiwon Ahn, Juncheal Lee, Changsun Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(4):349-353. Published online November 30, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.4.349

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Abstract PDF: The survival rate of commotio cordis is low, and there is often associated neurological disability if return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) can be achieved. We report a case of commotio cordis treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) that demonstrated a favorable outcome. A 16-year-old female was transferred to our emergency department (ED) for collapse after being struck in the chest with a dodgeball. She has no history of heart problems. She was brought to our ED with pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ROSC was achieved with defibrillation. She was comatose at our ED and was treated with TH at a target temperature of 33°C for 24 hours. After transfer to the intensive care unit, pulseless VT occurred, and defibrillation was performed twice. She recovered to baseline neurologic status with the exception of some memory difficulties.

Cardiology
Cardiac Arrest due to Recurrent Ventricular Fibrillation Triggered by Unifocal Ventricular Premature Complexes in a Silent Myocardial Infarction: Dong Hyun Lee, Seul Lee, Hyo Jin Jung, Soo Jin Kim, Jeong Min Seo, Jae Hyuk Choi, Jong Sung Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(4):331-335. Published online November 30, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.4.331

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Abstract PDF: A 51-year-old male patient was referred for a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, he was conscious and had no chest pain complaints. There was no abnormality in initial electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations. However, episodes of recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) were documented on rhythm monitoring. Each VF episode was triggered by an isolated monomorphic ventricular premature complex (VPC). Suspecting idiopathic VF, emergency radiofrequency catheter ablation was planned for the VPCs. However, when coronary angiography was performed to exclude silent ischemia, the results showed a total occlusion of the right coronary artery posterolateral branch, which is thought to supply the left ventricular inferior and septal wall. After successful reperfusion, VF episodes and the triggering VPCs disappeared. We are documenting this case to emphasize the potential for silent myocardial infarction to cause out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest even in a patient without any symptom or sign of acute coronary syndrome.

Cardiology/Pulmonary
Dual Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Bridging Lung Transplantation in Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Dong Jung Kim, Yeon Joo Lee, Jun Sung Kim, Sangheon Park, Young Jae Cho; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(3):207-211. Published online August 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.3.207

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Abstract PDF: When patients with severe respiratory failure are treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), severe pulmonary hypertension due to right ventricular (RV) failure is possible. This is a serious complication that requires immediate therapeutic intervention. We report an extraordinary experience of additional venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support for RV failure in a patient who was being treated with VV-ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation. A 61-year-old man was diagnosed with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. While waiting for lung transplantation, he was placed on VV-ECMO and developed RV failure. After insertion of additional VA ECMO, RV dysfunction was dramatically improved. He underwent heart-lung transplantation after 23 days of dual ECMO support.

Cardiology
Thrombosis in the Left Ventricle after Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: A Rare Cause of Systemic Thromboembolism: Hee Chan Jung, Woo Baek Chung, Man Young Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(1):27-31. Published online February 28, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.1.27

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Abstract PDF: This report describes a case of systemic thromboembolism caused by left ventricular (LV) thrombosis that developed after placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). A 27-year-old male patient was diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia, and underwent ICD implantation for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Two weeks after ICD implantation, the patient experienced renal infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mobile thrombus at the LV apex, and automated function imaging demonstrated deteriorated LV function after ICD implantation. The RV was not placed by ICD and the mechanical force which was occurred by ICD that led to induced dyssynchronous motion of the LV apex may have resulted in a systemic thromboembolism.

Ventricular Fibrillation Soon after Endobronchial Epinephrine Application in a Young Man: A Case Report: Young Min Shin, Jong Hyung Kim, Hyung Wook Kim, Bo Sik Choi, Jin Gyu Jeong, Jung Won Hwang, Kwang Won Seo, Jong Joon Ahn, Seung Won Ra; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2011;26(4):276-280.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.4.276

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Abstract PDF

Ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest rarely occur after local application of epinephrine. Local and superficial application of epinephrine is a common hemostatic method during bronchoscopy, especially after biopsies. Although high plasma levels following endobronchial application of epinephrine have been observed in previous animal studies, there is no report of ventricular fibrillation after a usual dose of endobronchial application of epinephrine during bronchoscopy. We present a case of endobronchial epinephrine-induced ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest in a 31-year-old man with no previous history of cardiac disease.

Citations

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Stress Related Cardiomyopathy during Flexible Bronchoscopy
Jung Ar Shin, Ji Yoon Ha, Sang Yong Kim, Byoung Kwon Lee, Hyung Jung Kim, Chul Min Ahn, Yoon Soo Chang
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2013; 28(2): 127. CrossRef

Mitral Regurgitation due to Recurrent Septal Rupture after Repair of a Postinfarction Posterior Ventricular Septal Defect: A Case Report: Chan Beom Park, Ung Jin; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2009;24(1):39-41.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2009.24.1.39

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Abstract PDF: Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a serious complication following an acute myocardial infarction. We performed repair of a postinfarction posterior VSR; however, the patient developed mitral regurgitation (MR) 2 months later. Geometrical changes caused by ventricular remodeling and recurrent shuntare thought to be the cause of delayed MR.

A Case of Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm Lasted for 5 Days after Reperfusion in a Patient with Spasm-induce Myocardial Infaction: A Case Report: Kyoung Chan Kim, Il Soo Kim, Wook Kang, Jae Kyoon Kim, Chang Hoon Yu, Su Hong Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2009;24(1):33-36.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2009.24.1.33

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Abstract PDF

A 56-year-old man presented with right coronary arterial spasm accompanied by ST segment elevation in the inferior leads. A reperfusion arrhythmia, accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR), developed 1 hour after a nitroglycerin infusion. The AIVR was sustained for 5 days without hemodynamic instability, and resolved spontaneously during hemodynamic monitoring in the coronary intensive care unit.

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Successful Recovery after Cardiac Arrest from Medically Intractable Coronary Spasm Induced by Ergonovine, Using Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support - A Case Report -
Jeehoon Kang, In-Chang Hwang, Chang-Hwan Yoon
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2012; 27(4): 269. CrossRef

Original Article

Diagnosis of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Acute Pulmonary Embolism with N-terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP): Young Ju Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2006;21(2):83-88.

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Patients with pulmonary embolism are at high risk of death because of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and mortality rate increases with worsening right ventricular dysfuction. The utility of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing in the emergency department for diagnosing right ventricular dysfunction with pulmonary embolism and optimal cut-off points for its uses are not well established.
METHODS
Forty-nine consecutive patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism, who visited our emergency medical center from March 2005 to September 2006, were recruited. Patients with congestive heart failure and chronic renal failure were excluded from study enrollment. The diagnosis of right ventricular dysfunction was based on echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction.
RESULTS
The mean age was 68+/-11 yr, and 71% of the patients were women. The median NT-proBNP level among 29 patients (59%) who had RVD was 1296 versus 250 pg/ml for those 20 patients (41%) who did not have RVD (p=0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94 (95% CI of 0.89~0.98). At a cutoff of 400 pg/ml, NT-proBNP had a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 75%, and an overall accuracy of 88% for RVD (p=0.01). An NT-proBNP level <400 pg/ml was optimal for ruling out RVD, which was a negative predictive value of 94%. Increased NT- proBNP was the strong independent predictor of RVD (odds ratio 13, 95% CI 4.3-39.0, p=0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
NT-proBNP levels are frequently increased in patients with pulmonary embolism who have RVD than who did not have RVD. In acute pulmonary embolism, NT-proBNP elevation is highly predictive of RVD.

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