Predictors and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a life-threatening complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the impact of PE on short-term outcomes such as readmission and mortality remains poorly characterized. The Nationwide Readmission Database 2016 to 2021 was queried to identify patients with isolated CABG who were readmitted with PE within 30 days. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th Revision Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System codes were used to identify the cohort. Rates and patient characteristics were compared between post-CABG patients with and without PE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PE within 30 days of isolated CABG, as well as risk factors for mortality in these patients. Patients with PE had a higher prevalence of female sex (32.7% vs 30.7%, P = .04) and obesity (25.7% vs 22.3%, P < .001), but lower rates of hypertension and diabetes. Thirty-day mortality was higher in PE patients in univariable (Odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-2.05, P = .002) and multivariable analyses (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.00-2.11, P = .04). PE following CABG is associated with increased 30-day readmission and mortality. These findings underscore the need for improved risk stratification, early detection, and targeted prevention strategies in the postoperative period.