Identifying patients at risk for thromboembolism. Use of 125I-labeled fibrinogen in patients with acute myocardial infarction
N. Cristal, J. Stern, M. Ronen, C. Silverman, W. Ho and E. Bartov
Fibrinogen labeled with iodine 125 was used to detect deep vein thrombosis
(DVT) in 35 patients during their course and convalescence from acute
myocardial infarction. Clinical status was assessed and scored with the use
of a modified coronary prognostic index. According to the prognostic
scores, patients were allocated to one of two groups. Of 27 patients in
good clinical condition, DVT developed in only one patient, whereas
thromboembolic complications occurred in seven of eight patients who were
severely ill--a highly significant difference. Prophylactic anticoagulation
is advisable in patients at risk.
