[Epidural spinal hematoma following thrombolytic therapy for an acute myocardial infarct]

Spinal epidural hematoma - A rare and debilitating complication of thrombolytic therapy

Thrombolytic therapy directed to the achievement of early reperfusion in cases with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction can have significant complications which can be due to bleeding or in the form of allergic reactions. Sometimes these complications can cause mortality or significant and incapacitating morbidity which may at times surpass the risk possessed by the disease itself. We are reporting an interesting case of 63-year-old male, who presented to us with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction and developed acute onset paralysis following intravenous administration of streptokinase and heparin. MRI spine revealed spinal epidural hematoma. Patient was advised urgent surgical evacuation of hematoma, but opted for conservative management. Patient had significant residual neurological deficits at follow-up. In conclusion, spinal epidural hematoma is a rare complication following thrombolysis for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Though rare, high index of suspicion is required by physicians, as prompt treatment may lead to complete recovery, which otherwise can lead to debilitating neurological sequel.

Spinal epidural hematoma following tissue plasminogen activator and heparinization for acute myocardial infarction

The case of a 43-year-old Taiwanese man who presented with spinal epidural hematoma following intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) and heparin therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is reported. Upper back pain and progressive neurological dysfunction ensued, secondary to spinal epidural hematoma with spinal cord compression. The patient did not recover neurologic function postsurgically, possibly because the operation was delayed. In conclusion, cardiologists should be alert to this rare, severe complication of rTPA and should perform early laminectomy (in < or = 36 hours for those with complete deficit and in < or = 48 hours for those with incomplete deficit) if possible.

Spinal epidural hematoma associated with tissue plasminogen activator treatment of acute myocardial infarction

We report a case of tissue plasminogen activator-associated spinal epidural hematoma in a patient who underwent treatment for myocardial infarction. Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging was used within 24 hr of coronary artery stent implantation. We review the literature on thrombolytic-associated epidural spinal hematoma and discuss its management. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 48:390-396, 1999.