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[Pulmonary thromboembolic diseases in Ivory Coast (apropos of 13 cases)]
Insights
Pulmonary thrombo-embolic disease (PTE) is more frequent in Africa than previously thought. Early diagnosis via angiography and heparin treatment show positive outcomes, similar to temperate regions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary thrombo-embolic disease (PTE) is a significant health concern globally.
- Previous reports suggest lower PTE frequency in Africa compared to temperate zones.
- The Abidjan cardiology Institute observed a higher-than-expected PTE incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the frequency and characteristics of PTE cases at the Abidjan cardiology Institute.
- To compare the behavior of PTE in Africa with that in temperate regions.
- To highlight specific etiological factors prevalent in the African context.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 PTE cases from January 1983 to March 1984.
- Utilized clinical suspicion, angiography for diagnosis and localization of thrombosis.
- Monitored patient response to heparin treatment.
Main Results:
- 13 cases of PTE reported, indicating a higher frequency than anticipated for Africa.
- Angiography accurately localized thrombosis.
- Heparin treatment led to favorable outcomes when lower extremity phlebitis was present.
- Two deaths occurred among the 13 cases.
- PTE behavior showed few differences between African and temperate zones.
Conclusions:
- PTE frequency may be underestimated in Africa.
- Early diagnostic methods like angiography are crucial for PTE management.
- Heparin therapy is effective, particularly with concurrent lower extremity phlebitis.
- Obstetrical and infectious etiologies are notable contributing factors to PTE in Africa.
Abstract:
From January 1983 to March 1984, 13 cases of pulmonary thrombo-embolic disease (PTE) were reported at the Abidjan cardiology Institute. Disease frequency is higher than usually reported in Africa. The reason is that angiography was carried out as soon as the clinical diagnosis was suspected. Radiologic examination allowed to locate with accuracy the level of the thrombosis. Under heparin, a favourable course of the disease was noted any time a phlebitis of lower extremity was involved. Two deaths occurred among the 13 cases. Few differences are noted in Africa and temperate zones as regard to disease behaviour. However, frequency of obstetrical and infectious aetiology is to be outlined.