Discrepancy in the thrombolytic effect of UK between angiographic and circulatory evaluations

A clinical case in which angiographic and circulatory evaluations of the thrombolytic effect of urokinase (UK) were not correlated, is described. Circulatory improvement distal to the thrombosis was recognized on the basis of a rise in skin temperature and increased palpability of the pulse at the distal artery. However, angiography revealed the development of thrombosis. This discrepancy may have arisen from the hypotensive action of UK preparations due to increased flow in the collateral circulation. The significance of angiography in providing direct evidence for assessing the thrombolytic effect of UK is emphasized.