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Airway obstruction: a rare complication of thrombolytic therapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

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

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.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2005 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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