[Acute pulmonary thromboembolism treated with E6010]

A 22-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of sudden dyspnea and dizziness. Hypoxemia was found. Lung perfusion scintigraphy and pulmonary angiography showed massive pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient received E6010, a derivative of tissue plasminogen activator by intravenous injection for about 2 minutes. One hour after this treatment, pulmonary angiography showed lysis of the ciot, the pulmonary arterial pressure had decreased, and the cardiac index and PaO2 had increased. Despite anticoagulant therapy, pulmonary embolism recurred so we implanted a Greenfield filter in the inferior vena cava. This was the first case of pulmonary thromboembolism in which E6010 had a beneficial effect. We were also able to document hemodynamic and radiologic changes after intravenous infusion of this drug. Recurrent pulmonary embolism is an indication for filter placement, and this patient will need a long period of follow-up.