Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma causing cord compression after streptokinase and heparin therapy for acute coronary artery occlusion.
We have reported a case of spinal epidural hematoma with cord compression in a 49-year-old man treated with short-term streptokinase and continuous heparin infusion. The sudden onset of back pain with subsequent neurologic deficits in a patient treated with fibrinolytic therapy alone or in combination with an anticoagulant should prompt an evaluation for spinal epidural hematoma with associated cord compression. The risk of combined fibrinolytic and anticoagulant therapy is not clear and warrants further evaluation.
Department of Hematology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20037.
M H
MH
Mustafa
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Gallino
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006493:Heparin; D013300:Streptokinase