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Airway obstruction: a rare complication of thrombolytic therapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

J Ahmed ,
J Philpott ,
S Lew-Gor  and
D Blunt
J Ahmed
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
J Philpott
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
S Lew-Gor
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
D Blunt
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

Airway ObstructionHaematomaTherapeutic ThrombolysisStreptokinase
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 119 , Issue 10 , October 2005 , pp. 819 - 821
Copyright
© 2005 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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