Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. · Feb 2017
Prothrombotic Fibrin Clot Phenotype Is Associated With Recurrent Pulmonary Embolism After Discontinuation of Anticoagulant Therapy.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening manifestation of venous thromboembolism with a high recurrence rate after anticoagulation cessation. Recently, we have reported that prothrombotic clot phenotype in venous thromboembolism patients is associated with an increased risk of recurrent deep-vein thrombosis. ⋯ Altered fibrin clot properties including formation of more compact clots displaying impaired susceptibility to lysis may predispose to recurrent PE.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. · Feb 2017
Contraction of Blood Clots Is Impaired in Acute Ischemic Stroke.
Obstructive thrombi or thrombotic emboli are the pathogenic basis of ischemic stroke. In vitro blood clots and in vivo thrombi can undergo platelet-driven contraction (retraction), resulting in volume shrinkage. Clot contraction can potentially reduce vessel occlusion and improve blood flow past emboli or thrombi. The aim of this work was to examine a potential pathogenic role of clot contraction in ischemic stroke. ⋯ The changeable ability of clots and thrombi to shrink in volume may be a novel unappreciated mechanism that aggravates or alleviates the course and outcomes of ischemic stroke. The clinical importance of clot or thrombus transformations in vivo and the diagnostic and prognostic value of this blood test for clot contraction need further exploration.