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Updated: May 23, 2026
07:44
A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
[Pregnancy and acute pulmonary embolism: a case report]
Luís Ferreira dos Santos1, Cláudia Andrade, Bruno Rodrigues
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Hospitalar Tondela Viseu, E.P.E., Viseu, Portugal. luisferreirasantos@gmail.com
Summary
Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy can be challenging to diagnose. Tenecteplase thrombolysis offers an effective treatment option with acceptable complication rates for pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in pregnancy is complicated by physiological changes.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to concerns about fetal radiation exposure from imaging.
- Systemic thrombolysis is rarely used in pregnancy due to perceived high risks.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old pregnant woman at 29 weeks gestation presented with syncope and dyspnea.
- The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism.
- Persistent hypotension necessitated intervention.
Findings:
- Thrombolytic therapy with tenecteplase was administered.
- The patient showed excellent clinical and hemodynamic improvement.
- No maternal or fetal hemorrhagic complications occurred.
Implications:
- Tenecteplase is a viable treatment for severe pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.
- The complication rates of thrombolysis are acceptable when weighed against the risks of untreated PE.
- This case supports the judicious use of thrombolysis in pregnant patients with life-threatening PE.
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