Airway obstruction: a rare complication of thrombolytic therapy.
Bleeding into head and neck structures as a complication of thrombolysis is extremely rare but potentially lethal. It is usually associated with local trauma. We describe a case of a 67-year-old woman who developed spontaneous, massive pan aerodigestive tract haemorrhage precipitating airway obstruction following administration of streptokinase for myocardial infarction; a previously unreported complication. This case highlights the importance of being vigilant of airway symptoms following such treatment, prompting early involvement of anaesthetic and otolaryngology personnel.
Ahmed
J
J
Department of Otolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK. jayahmed11@hotmail.com
Philpott
J
J
Lew-Gor
S
S
Blunt
D
D
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013300:Streptokinase