Spinal epidural hematoma complicating thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator--a case report.

Abstract

Patients who receive thrombolytic therapy are at risk of central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, and this diagnosis must be sought in any patient who develops neurologic complaints after thrombolysis and anticoagulation. Early imaging and neurosurgical consultation are essential to improve outcome after hemorrhage occurs. We describe a patient who developed spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) after thrombolysis and anticoagulation for acute myocardial infarction. Delay in diagnosis and management may have contributed to a poor outcome. The literature on SEH is reviewed, and approaches to improve the prognosis of patients suffering CNS hemorrhage after thrombolysis are discussed.

• Authors: Mark A Clark, Norman A Paradis
• Journal: The Journal of emergency medicine (J Emerg Med) Vol. 23 Issue 3 Pg. 247-51 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12426015 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Inc.

Chemical References

• Fibrinolytic Agents
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Topics

• Fibrinolytic Agents (adverse effects)
• Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial (chemically induced, surgery)
• Humans
• Laminectomy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myocardial Infarction (drug therapy)
• Spinal Cord (pathology, surgery)
• Thrombolytic Therapy (adverse effects)
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator (adverse effects)