Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Stroke
2011
Case of Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Stroke in an HIV-Positive Patient
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Poobalan Naidoo, Richard Hift
Primary Institution: Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN, South Africa
Hypothesis
Can thrombolysis improve outcomes in patients with both pulmonary embolism and recent stroke?
Conclusion
Thrombolysis was safe and effective, leading to unexpected neurological improvement in the patient.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a CD4 count of 180 and was on antiretroviral therapy.
- Thrombolysis led to marked improvement in both haemodynamic and neurological status.
- A repeat CT angiogram showed partial resolution of the pulmonary emboli.
Takeaway
A woman with a serious lung problem and a stroke got better after receiving a special medicine, even though it was risky because of her stroke.
Methodology
The patient received intravenous streptokinase for thrombolysis despite having a recent stroke.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
38-year-old HIV-positive female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website