Prevalence of Pulmonary Embolism among Patients Hospitalized for Syncope.

Background: The prevalence of pulmonary embolism among patients hospitalized for syncope is not well documented, and current guidelines pay little attention to a diagnostic workup for pulmonary embolism in these patients.

Methods: We performed a systematic workup for pulmonary embolism in patients admitted to 11 hospitals in Italy for a first episode of syncope, regardless of whether there were alternative explanations for the syncope. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was ruled out in patients who had a low pretest clinical probability, which was defined according to the Wells score, in combination with a negative d-dimer assay.

The risk of cancer progression in women with gynecological malignancies and thrombophilic polymorphisms: a pilot case-control study.

Cancer produces a hypercoagulable state, which might lead to thrombosis, and on contrary, unprovoked venous thromboembolism might be the manifestation of an occult cancer. In this pilot case-control study, we assessed the risk of gynecological malignant diseases related to the presence of the factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms. Fifty-two women underwent an operation for gynecological malignancy and were enrolled in the study.

Idraparinux: review of its clinical efficacy and safety for prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders.

Background: Idraparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide that binds to antithrombin with high affinity. In view of its long half-life, it is suitable for once-a-week administration.

Objective: To review the evidence favoring the use of idraparinux for the acute and long-term treatment of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).