[Ultra-high dose thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase in peripheral venous thrombosis]

56 patients with deep vein thrombosis (lower limb) and two patients with vena subclavia thrombosis were treated for six hours/day according to an ultrahigh dosage scheme (1,500,000 U/h streptokinase). An average number of three cycles was applied. Complete recanalization could be demonstrated in 23 patients (43%) with lower limb thrombosis, whereas a partial recanalization was demonstrable in 40% (22 patients). A complete thrombolysis could be achieved in one patient with vena subclavia thrombosis. Severe side effects were one intracerebral hemorrhage and one major lung embolism, causing death in both patients. Ultrahigh dosage thrombolysis with streptokinase is an effective therapeutic regimen and is considered to be an alternative to standard fibrinolytic procedures.