Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
05:52
Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model
Published on: November 4, 2021
Pulmonary embolism causes endomyocarditis in the human heart
M P V Begieneman1, F R W van de Goot, I A C van der Bilt
1Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. mpv.begieneman@vumc.nl
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|July 25, 2007
Summary
Pulmonary embolism (PE) causes heart issues. Patients with PE show inflammation and clots in heart ventricles, explaining cardiac problems and increasing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of illness and death.
- Previous studies noted increased macrophages in the right ventricle of PE patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate inflammatory cells, myocytolysis, and thrombi in the ventricles of PE patients.
- To explore a potential new cause of heart failure in PE.
Main Methods:
- Studied 22 PE patients, 8 controls, and 11 with pulmonary hypertension (PHT).
- Quantified inflammatory cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages) in heart ventricles.
- Assessed myocytolysis and intracavitary thrombi using specific staining techniques.
Main Results:
- PE patients had significantly increased inflammatory cells in both ventricles compared to controls.
- Inflammatory cell increase coincided with myocytolysis, suggesting myocarditis.
- Endocardial infiltration and ventricular thrombi were observed in PE patients, unlike in PHT patients.
Conclusions:
- Patients with PE exhibit endomyocarditis and intracavitary thrombi in both ventricles.
- These findings offer a new explanation for cardiac dysfunction in PE.
- These cardiac abnormalities may contribute to PE's morbidity and mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...