A serious complication of thrombolysis after prolonged cardiac arrest: airway obstruction from tongue injury.
Prolonged cardiac arrest with external chest compression was regarded as a contraindication to thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction, although recent work has largely refuted previous concerns. This paper presents a serious haemorrhagic complication, which risked airway patency due to unrecognised nasopharyngeal airway-induced trauma and tongue biting. The patient required blood transfusion, and owing to the haemorrhage was unable to have rescue angioplasty. Methods of revascularisation after prolonged cardiac arrest are discussed.
Foley
Paul William Xavier
PW
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK. paulfoley@talk21.com
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D006336:Heart Massage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014059:Tongue / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology