Fatal haemorrhage from aortic dissection following instillation of intrapleural streptokinase.
A patient is described who suffered fatal haemorrhage following intrapleural streptokinase for treatment of a presumed empyema. Autopsy revealed an unsuspected abdominal aortic dissection with extension of blood clot into the thoracic cavity. The importance of precise diagnosis of empyema and potential risks associated with intrapleural streptokinase are discussed.
Srivastava
P
P
Department of Thoracic Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Informary, Foresterhill. p.srivastava@abdn.ac.uk
Godden
D J
DJ
Kerr
K M
KM
Legge
J S
JS
D000368:Aged; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000150:complications*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000150:complications*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000150:complications*; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000188:drug therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013300:Streptokinase