Estimation of heart cavities remodeling in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism by echocardiography

We analyzed echocardiography data of 69 patients with acute PTE before operation, during short-term and long-term postoperative periods. Local kinesis abnormalities of the right ventricle anterior wall known as a "McConnell sign" were found in 24% of cases (11 patients) with moderate PH and in 62% of cases (13 patients) with significant PH. The PH level tended to significantly decrease in the postoperative period. The dilatation of the right heart departments and pulmonary artery was observed to decrease after the procedure of catheter fragmentation and thrombolysis. The effect of operation remains constant in the long-term period.

McConnell Sign in a Patient with Massive Acute Pulmonary Embolism

A 48-year-old female was admitted after experiencing a brief syncopal episode. Three weeks ago the patient sustained a right arm humerus bone fracture in a motor vehicle accident. Since the accident, her mobility has been limited. CT angiogram of the chest revealed massive bilateral pulmonary emboli. A 2D echocardiogram was performed, which demonstrated McConnell sign and severe right ventricle dysfunction. Considering potential of hemodynamic instability, the patient received fibrinolytic therapy with Alteplase. A subsequent 2D echocardiogram showed complete resolution of McConnell sign and right ventricle dysfunction.