Embolic cerebral infarction and gastrointestinal hemorrhage following thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract

We report an unusual case of cerebral embolization that occurred after intravenous thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction. Direct observation by serial echocardiograms in this patient confirmed that the thrombolytic treatment induced lysis and fragmentation of thrombus, and the subsequent dislodging and embolization of preexisting cardiac thrombi, which caused the cerebral infarction. It is suggested that an echocardiogram, if instantly available, be performed before considering thrombolytic therapy whenever acute anterior wall myocardial infarction is impressed.

• Authors: Michael Chich-kuang Chang, Andrew Ying-siu Lee, Wen-fung Chang, Tien-jen Chen
• Journal: Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) (Echocardiography) Vol. 19 Issue 2 Pg. 139-41 (Feb 2002) ISSN: 0742-2822 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11926976 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Topics

• Aged
• Echocardiography
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging)
• Male
• Myocardial Infarction (complications, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Thrombolytic Therapy (adverse effects)
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator (adverse effects)
• Treatment Failure