A significant decrease in D-dimer concentration within one month of anticoagulation therapy as a predictor of both complete recanalization and risk of recurrence after initial pulmonary embolism.

Background: Abnormal D-dimer concentration measured during anticoagulation therapy (AT) or within one month of discontinuation, is associated with residual pulmonary obstruction (RPO) and risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after a first episode of pulmonary embolism (PE). We hypothesized that a significant decrease in D-dimer concentration within the first month of AT in patients with a first episode of PE may predict complete recanalization and a lower risk of recurrent VTE.

Methods: One hundred and fifty patients with PE received anticoagulation therapy for three or six months when control computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed.

Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to tuberculosis at 24-week gestation.

Hemophagocytic syndrome is a life-threatening disease characterized by the uncontrolled activation of macrophages, resulting in hemophagocytosis of blood cells in the bone marrow. A 20-year-old gravida at 23-week and 5-day gestation was admitted to hospital to evaluate fever up to 104°F of unknown origin, moderate cytopenia, and elevated levels of liver enzymes. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed hemophagocytic syndrome, and polymerase chain reaction came back positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.