1. HALF–DOSE THROMBOLYSIS IN HIGH–RISK PULMONARY EMBOLISM
- Author
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Tinazzi, A, Pirondini, M, Ornaghi, M, Sabbatini, G, and Pierini, S
- Abstract
An 87–year–old woman was admitted to our Emergency Department because of two syncopal episodes with head trauma. BP was 100/60 mmHg and HR was 150 bpm in atrial fibrillation. Lab tests showed elevation of NT–proBNP(9000 pg/mL)and serum lactate(4 mmol/L). Echocardiography revealed a large floating thrombus in the right atrium, as well as severe right ventricle enlargement and dysfunction. Chest CT angiography showed massive bilateral PE. After having performed a brain CT scan to exclude bleeding due to trauma, half–dose thrombolytic therapy(rt–PA 50 mg) was administered without complications. There was complete dissolution of the thrombus within the first 24h, with clinical and echocardiographic improvement. A 60–year–old man with history of DVT, transiently treated with anticoagulant therapy,and kidney stones complicated by recurrent infections, underwent lithosurgery and placement of DJ stent. At the induction of anesthesia, severe hypotension and desaturation occurred needing amine support; echofast revealed dilation and severe dysfunction of the RV and chest CT angiography documented bilateral massive PE. After a collegial discussion (Resuscitator, Cardiologist, Urologist) the risk/benefit ratio was judged favorable and the patient underwent thrombolysis with a reduced dose of rt–PA(50 mg) with rapid hemodynamic improvement and weaning from amine support. Doppler was negative for deep vein thrombosis. On pre–discharge echocardiogram the size and systolic function of the RV were normalized,with no pulmonary hypertension. Acute PE, defined as occlusion of the pulmonary arterial tree by thrombus, represents a life–threatening emergency. Patients diagnosed with PE should be stratified based on the risk of short term mortality, in order to decide the best therapeutic strategy. According to the latest ESC 2019 guidelines,high–risk patients(with hemodynamic instability at presentation) should undergo thrombolytic therapy if there are no absolute contraindications (active bleeding, cerebrovascular events and trauma/surgery within the previous 3 weeks). Even in these circumstances, in carefully selected cases, the use of a halved dose of thrombolytic (rt–PA 50 mg instead of 100 mg) could be taken into consideration in order to reduce bleeding risk, especially if it represents a rapidly life–saving strategy or if there is not the possibility of performing percutaneous catheter–directed treatment or surgical embolectomy.
- Published
- 2024
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