A major complication of thrombolytic therapy is haemorrhage. A case of intraperitoneal haemorrhage necessitating three laparotomies is described in a patient following thrombolysis. This is the only documented case of a non-hepatic intraperitoneal haemorrhage occurring post thrombolysis in a patient without risk factors and without a hepatic source being identified. Retroperitoneal haemorrhage1 and intraperitoneal haemorrhage from a hepatic source have previously been described2,3,4.
YapLB, AugustineDX, KurbaanASRetroperitoneal haemorrhage following thrombolyis. Heart2004; 90; 564.
2.
RoongsritongC, BuellJC.Spontaneous hepatic haemorrhage following treatment with tissue plasminogen activator. International Journal of Cardiology1994; 46: 182.
3.
Garcia-JimenezA, Mao MCMD, MoanDFHepatic bleeding and haemorrhagic shock following thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Chest1997; 111 (6): 1787.
4.
IsmailA, ColeJP.Subcapsular hepatic and intraperitoneal bleed after administration of tissue plasminogen activator in a patient with acute myocardial infarction. Heart Disease2000; 2 (1); 13–15.
