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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Tissue plasminogen activator-associated lingual artery hemorrhage
1Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 1, 1990
Summary
A patient experienced severe tongue hemorrhage after receiving tissue plasminogen activator for vertebrobasilar artery ischemia. Prompt management and prevention strategies are crucial for rare, life-threatening bleeding complications from thrombolytic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Vertebrobasilar artery ischemia is a critical condition requiring prompt treatment.
- Tissue plasminogen activator is a common thrombolytic agent used for ischemic stroke.
- Thrombolytic therapy carries a risk of bleeding complications.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with vertebrobasilar artery ischemia treated with tissue plasminogen activator.
- The patient developed significant hemorrhage into the tongue.
- A near-fatal bleed occurred from a lingual artery branch.
Findings:
- Tissue plasminogen activator can cause unusual and severe extra-cranial hemorrhage.
- Hemorrhage into the tongue is a rare but life-threatening complication.
- Effective management strategies are vital for patient survival.
Implications:
- As thrombolytic agent use expands, clinicians must anticipate and manage rare hemorrhagic events.
- Immediate hemorrhage control and preventative measures are essential.
- This case highlights the need for vigilance in patients receiving thrombolytic therapy.
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