Low-dose streptokinase thrombolysis of axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis

Nine patients with 10 episodes of acute axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis were treated with local low-dose streptokinase infusion. All patients except one were heparinized during the procedure with conversion to oral anticoagulation upon completion of the infusion. Recanalization was achieved in 7 patients (70%). Thrombosis recurred in 1, and in 2 patients the procedure was unsuccessful. No major complications were encountered. We concluded that local low-dose streptokinase infusion is a safe, simple, and effective method for treating acute axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis.