Spontaneous arterial embolization after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction: the role of transesophageal echocardiography.
Arterial embolization from thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction is rare. We report two cases of spontaneous arterial embolization following the use of tissue plasminogen activator for acute myocardial infarction. Transesophageal echocardiography was able to identify the source of embolism as mobile atherosclerotic debris within the thoracic aorta. This information was of value in the management of these patients, in that femoral catheterization which could have precipitated further embolization was avoided.
Department of Cardiology, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
D G
DG
Karalis
K W
KW
Kaulback
J J
JJ
Ross
F J
FJ
Uricchio
K
K
Chandrasekaran
D000368:Aged; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D000075202:Contraindications; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator