title: Multiple microemboli after disintegration of clot during thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.
abstract: Seven of 475 consecutive patients treated with thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction had severe embolic complications that were believed to be caused by disintegration of pre-existing clot. Three patients had symptoms that persisted for many weeks, and five died. Any potential site of pre-existing blood clot within the vascular system, notably an enlarged left atrium, ventricular aneurysm, or aortic aneurysms, should be regarded as a contraindication to treatment with thrombolytic agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Stafford
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Strachan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Chamberlain
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004617:Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin