Late Thrombolysis in Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Rodrigo Molina Mendoza, Daniel Arnal, Santiago García-del-Valle

Unidad Anestesia y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcon, Spain..

DOI: 10.4236/ojanes.2012.25055                

Abstract

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians. Anticoagulation with heparin remains as the cornerstone in its management, reserving thrombolysis for cases with hemodynamic impairment. The later has been associated with haemorrhagic complications and has proved beneficial when initiated within the first 48 hours of PTE; but there is little evidence supporting its use passed this time. We present a case of an 84 year old female admitted in our unit and treated successfully with thrombolysis for massive PTE at the fifth day of diagnosis. The patient improved towards complete recovery and was discharged from the hospital 22 days after admission without complications.

Keywords

Pulmonary Thromboembolism; Thrombolysis; Pulmonary Hypertension

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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