Impact of Reperfusion on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism

The prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) depends on its correct stratification, and reperfusion in intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism is controversial yet. Our aim is to explore variables associated with the decision of reperfusion in patients with intermediate-high risk PE and its impact on clinical outcomes. An analysis of a multicenter PE registry was performed. Patients with intermediate-high risk (classification of the European Society of Cardiology) were selected, and factors associated with the reperfusion decision and its impact on clinical outcomes were explored. From 684 consecutive patients of acute PE, 178 (26%) were intermediate-high risk cases and constituted the study population. Sixteen percent (n = 28) of this cohort received reperfusion treatment, either systemic thrombolysis (89%) or endovascular treatments. Differences were observed between the patients who received reperfusion or not, mainly in terms of age (57±17 years vs 68±14; P <0.001) and location of thrombi in both pulmonary arteries (78% vs 43.7%, respectively; OR 4.72; 95% CI 1.8-12.3; P <0.001). No significant differences were observed in total bleeding and major bleeding. Total mortality was 3.6% in the reperfusion group and 14% in the non-reperfusion group (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.02-1.76; P = 0.1). Among patients with intermediate-high risk PE from Argentina, the decision of reperfusion has been influenced by age and the location of thrombi. The difference of 10 absolute points in mortality, with a similar rate of bleeding, favors the indication of reperfusion.