Clinical predictors and outcomes of pulmonary infarction in patients with central pulmonary embolism.

Background: Given the heterogeneity of predisposing factors associated with pulmonary infarction (PI) and the lack of clinically relevant outcomes among patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) complicated by PI, further investigation is required.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients with central PE in an 11-year period. Data were stratified according to the diagnosis of PI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors associated with PI development and determine if PI was associated with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation use.

Results: Of 645 patients with central PE, 24% (n = 156) had PI. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and clinical features on admission, only age (OR 0.98, CI 0.96-0.99; p = 0.008) was independently associated with PI. Regarding outcomes, 35% (n = 55) had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure, and 19% (n = 29) required mechanical ventilation. After adjusting for demographics, PE severity, and right ventricular dysfunction, PI was independently associated with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (OR 1.78; CI 1.18-2.69, p = 0.005) and mechanical ventilation (OR 1.92; CI 1.14-3.22, p = 0.013).

Conclusions: Aging is a protective factor against PI. In acute central PE, subjects with PI had higher odds of developing severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and requiring mechanical ventilation.