Thrombolytic-related complication in a case of misdiagnosed myocardial infarction. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Irivbogbe, Osereme; Mirrer, Brooks; Loarte, Pablo; Gale, Michael; Cohen, Ronny
• Is Part Of: Acute cardiac care. Volume 16:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Cardiac intensive care -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.12028
• DOI: 10.3109/17482941.2014.902470
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-2941

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The importance of early thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction has been highlighted in several large trials. The clinical decision is often taken by physicians who need to take a rapid action with the risk of misdiagnosing non-coronary events that mimic myocardial infarction. Here we describe a case of acute pericarditis in a 37-year-old man whom received thrombolysis and developed a sudden hemorrhagic pericardial effusion that evolved rapidly into a cardiac tamponade. These errors leading to lethal thrombolysis complications have been surprisingly rare; but a correct diagnosis of aortic dissection or hemorrhagic pericarditis needs to be stressed because even after obtaining the correct diagnosis, the prolonged disturbance of hemostasis prevents a rapid therapy being instigated.</p> </abstract>