Back
 OJAnes  Vol.2 No.5 , November 2012
Late Thrombolysis in Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Rodrigo Molina Mendoza*, Daniel Arnal, Santiago García-del-Valle
Show more
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
Cite this paper: R. Mendoza, D. Arnal and S. García-del-Valle, "Late Thrombolysis in Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism," Open Journal of Anesthesiology, Vol. 2 No. 5, 2012, pp. 234-236. doi: 10.4236/ojanes.2012.25055.
References

[1]   C. Kearon, E. A. Akl, A. J. Comerota et al., “Antithrom-botic Therapy for Vte Disease. Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th Edition, American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines,” Chest, Vol. 141, Suppl. 2, 2012, pp. e419S-e494S.

[2]   K. E. Wood, “Major Pulmonary Embolism. Review of a Pathophysiologic Approach to the Golden Hour on Hemodynamically Significant Pulmonary Embolism,” Chest, Vol. 121, No. 3, 2002, pp. 877-905. doi:10.1378/chest.121.3.877

[3]   J. L. Todd and V. F. Tapson, “Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Critical Appraisal,” Chest, Vol. 135, No. 5, 2009, pp. 1321-1329. doi:10.1378/chest.08-2125

[4]   L. Daniels, A. Parker, S. R. Patel, F. Grodstein and S. E. Goldhaber, “Relation of Duration of Symptoms with Response to Thrombolytic Therapy in Pulmonary Embolism,” American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 80, No. 2, 1997, pp. 184-188. doi:10.1016/S0002-9149(97)00315-9

 
 
Top