Forearm compartment syndrome following thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction.
Thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction may contribute to bleeding complications when central venous or arterial access is required, but peripheral venous access is usually uncomplicated. We report a patient in whom tissue plasminogen activator and subsequent intravenous heparin exacerbated bleeding from a disrupted intravenous access site, leading to acute compartment syndrome requiring surgical decompression. This case emphasizes the risks associated with iatrogenic trauma during thrombolytic therapy.
Burnside
J
J
Department of Cardiology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822.
Costello
J M
JM
Angelastro
N J
NJ
Blankenship
J
J
D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000009:adverse effects
D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator