Half-dose alteplase for sub-massive pulmonary embolism directed by emergency department point-of-care ultrasound.

TitleHalf-dose alteplase for sub-massive pulmonary embolism directed by emergency department point-of-care ultrasound.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsAmini R, Panchal AR, Bahner D, Adhikari S
JournalWest J Emerg Med
Volume16
Issue1
Pagination181-3
Date Published2015 Jan
ISSN Number1936-9018
Abstract

This report describes a patient with sub-massive pulmonary embolism (PE) who was successfully treated with half-dose thrombolytics guided by the use of point-of-care (POC) ultrasound. In this case, POC ultrasound was the only possible imaging since computed tomography was contraindicated. POC ultrasound demonstrated a deep vein thrombosis and evidence of cardiac strain. In situations or locations where definitive imaging is unobtainable, POC ultrasound can help diagnose submassive PE and direct the use of half-dose tissue plasminogen activator.

DOI10.5811/westjem.2014.12.24130
Alternate JournalWest J Emerg Med
PubMed ID25671038
PubMed Central IDPMC4307714
Faculty Reference: 
Srikar Adhikari, MD, MS, FACEP
Richard Amini, MD