Use of Ultrasound-Assisted, Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in a Patient With High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Tex Heart Inst J. 2024 Feb 6;51(1):e238235. doi: 10.14503/THIJ-23-8235.

Abstract

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complex clinical entity associated with high mortality rates. Ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis, typically used for intermediate-risk PE, may be a viable treatment approach for high-risk PE, particularly in patients at increased risk for major bleeding. This report describes a case in which ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis was successfully used to treat high-risk PE in a female patient with extensive peritoneal metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma. Other examples from the literature, in which ultrasound-assisted, catheter-directed thrombolysis was used to treat high-risk PE, are also provided.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism; tissue plasminogen activator; ultrasonography, interventional.

MeSH terms

  • Catheters
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator