Early Use of Thrombolytics for Massive Pulmonary Embolism by a Comparison of Cases

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary embolism is a common condition with considerable morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism remains a vexing problem. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is important because the mortality of untreated pulmonary embolism is high and serious complications can occur. Most physicians are inexperienced in the use of thrombolytic agents fo r pulmonary embolism, even though they utilize these agents routinely for acute myocardial infarction. We compared 2 domestic cases with 2 foreign cases. On comparison, we spent a long time in making a definite diagnosis in the domestic cases. Moreover, in the second domestic case, we did not use thrombolytic agents early, in spite of a suspected massive pulmonary embolism and then eventually he died. We conclude that bolus administration of thrombolytic agents during CPR for clinically suspected massive pulmonary embolism in emergency departments may be an acceptable technique.