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Published on: November 26, 2013
Breast Hematoma Complicating Thrombolytic Therapy
1Pacemaker Unit, Cardiology Department and Heart Institute, Department of Surgery, Western Galilee Hospital Nahariya, and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Summary
Thrombolytic therapy (TT) for acute myocardial infarction (MI) can rarely cause breast hematoma in women. This study identified three cases, highlighting a potential complication of TT that requires further investigation and awareness among clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Thrombolytic therapy (TT) is a primary treatment for acute myocardial infarction (MI).
- Spontaneous breast hematoma is a rare complication, typically associated with anticoagulant therapy.
- Breast hematoma following TT has not been previously documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence of breast hematoma as a complication of TT.
- To highlight a rare adverse event associated with TT in female patients.
- To raise awareness of this potential complication in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of patients treated with TT.
- Analysis of patient records from ICCU over a 12-year period.
- Review of three cases of breast hematoma post-TT.
Main Results:
- Three cases of breast hematoma were identified in 495 women treated with TT for acute MI.
- One patient required blood transfusion due to the hematoma.
- Fine needle aspiration in another patient revealed atypical ductal nuclei, necessitating further evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Breast hematoma is a rare but potential complication of TT.
- Increased use of TT may lead to more reported cases of breast hematoma.
- This complication warrants further investigation and clinical vigilance.
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