Retropharyngeal Hematoma Causing Airway Compromise After Tissue Plasminogen Activator Administration: A Case Report.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), commonly used for treatment of acute ischemic stroke, is associated with life-threatening bleeding intracranially as well as surrounding the airway.

CASE REPORT:

A 78-year-old year old male who presented with stroke symptoms and after tPA administration developed a retropharyngeal hematoma requiring intubation and surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION:

Numerous threats to the patient's airway can develop after tPA administration. While angioedema is the most common cause, it is important to be prepared for other causes related to hemorrhage.

• Authors: Christian Provenza, Arun Christian Habermann, Theron Williams, Jeffrey Metter, James Richard Walker 3rd
• Journal: Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine (Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med) Vol. 7 Issue 3 Pg. 168-171 (Aug 2023) ISSN: 2474-252X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 37595307 (Publication Type: Journal Article)