The current status of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke is reviewed in relation to early work and to the use of thrombolytic agents in acute myocardial infarction. The case of a patient treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke is described to illustrate the improvement in outcome that can be achieved with this therapy in selected patients. A number of recommendations are included for cardiologists on the use of plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke regarding the timing, dosage, selection, and monitoring of patients.
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