A Massive Pulmonary Embolism with Hemodynamically Unstable Stroke Symptoms.
- Author:
Chan Young KOH
1
;
Young Soon CHO
;
Ho Jung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon, Korea. choyoungsoon@hanafos.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Stroke;
Pulmonary embolism;
Echocardiography;
Thrombolytic therapy
- MeSH:
Aged;
Brain;
Early Diagnosis;
Echocardiography;
Female;
Hemodynamics;
Humans;
Infarction;
Middle Cerebral Artery;
Paresis;
Pulmonary Embolism;
Stroke;
Thrombolytic Therapy
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2012;23(4):551-554
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Pulmonary embolisms account for 13~25% of early deaths after stroke. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of thrombolysis are important, however, diagnosis is often difficult, and the consequences for patients can be severe. Echocardiography is useful for evaluation for massive pulmonary embolism, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients. We report on a case involving a 67-year-old female patient in severe hemodynamic compromise, with an altered mental status and hemiparesis. Findings on brain computerized tomography (CT) showed acute infarction at the left middle cerebral artery territory and transthoracic echocardiography indicated a massive pulmonary embolism. Despite administration of conservative management, the patient died due to a cerebral complication.
