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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
05:52
Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 27, 2013
Fatal haemostatic complications due to thrombolytic therapy in patients falsely diagnosed as acute myocardial
U H Eriksen1, H Mølgaard, J Ingerslev
1Department of Cardiology, Skejby University Hospital, Arhus, Denmark.
European Heart Journal
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Misdiagnosis of myocardial infarction led to fatal thrombolysis treatment in two young men. Prompt diagnosis of aortic dissection and pericarditis was hindered by treatment complications, highlighting the need for strict diagnostic criteria.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Myocardial infarction diagnosis relies on electrocardiographic (ECG) changes.
- Thrombolysis is a critical treatment for acute myocardial infarction.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate and potentially harmful interventions.
Observation:
- Two young men presented with ECG changes suggestive of myocardial infarction.
- They received thrombolysis treatment erroneously.
- Subsequent diagnosis revealed aortic dissection and hemorrhagic pericarditis.
Findings:
- The thrombolysis treatment caused prolonged disturbance of hemostasis.
- This complication prevented timely and appropriate treatment for the actual conditions.
- Both patients experienced fatal outcomes.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to rigid ST-segment criteria for myocardial infarction diagnosis.
- Suggests the need for established procedures to neutralize thrombolysis effects in cases of misdiagnosis.
- Underscores the potential life-threatening consequences of diagnostic errors in acute cardiovascular conditions.
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