title: Is local intra-arterial fibrinolysis contraindicated in elderly patients with cerebral artery occlusion?
abstract: Local intra-arterial fibrinolysis (LIF) is an effective treatment for selected patients in acute thromboembolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, vertebrobasilar system or ophthalmic artery. However, the risk/benefit ratio of thrombolysis in patient subgroups requires classification. Advanced age has been regarded as a prognostic factor for poor clinical outcome. We report our experience with LIF in seven patients with a mean age of 79 years (range 76-83 years) who represented thromboembolic occlusion of the basilar, middle cerebral or pericallosal arteries. We discuss why advanced age need not contraindicate LIF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kraft
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Siekmann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000209:etiology; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D002542:Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006493:Heparin; D010960:Plasminogen Activators; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator