Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause neurologic and cardiovascular toxicity. It is produce by combustion of organic materials/fuel such as natural gas (furnace, gas stove, water heater, space heater) or gasoline.  DVT/PE has been reported among victims of CO poisoning. 

A recently published article investigated the risk of DVT/PE after CO poisoning. 

• Study design: cohort-cross over study (cross over at 1 year after CO poisoning)
• Setting: South Korea
• Data source: National Health Insurance Service database

Results

22,699 patients with CO poisoning were identified between 2004 and 2015

30 days after CO poisoning

• Risk of PE: OR of 22.0; 95% CI: 5.33 to 90.75
• Risk of DVT: OR of 10.33; 95% CI: 3.16 to 33.80

90 days after CO poisoning

• Risk of PE/DVT: OR of 3.96; 95% CI: 2.5 to 6.25

No significant increase in risk > 90 days.

Conclusion

• Patients are at highest risk of developing PE/DVT during first 30 days after CO poisoning.
• Increased risk of PE/DVT persisted up to 90 days after CO poisoning.

References

Cho Y et al. Risk of venous thromboembolism after carbon monoxide poisoning: a nationwide population-based study. Ann of Emerg Med. 2020;75:587-596.