June 8, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Cardiac tamponade early after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: A rare but not reported hemorrhagic complication
Key result
Thrombolysis for AMI carries a 1% risk of early hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade.
- n=392
Why the study?
Does emergency percutaneous pericardiocentesis improve clinical and hemodynamic status in patients developing cardiac tamponade early after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction?
Population
392 consecutive patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic drugs
Design
Consecutive case series
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Prompt pericardiocentesis may stabilize post-thrombolysis tamponade; leaves open incidence and predictors in larger cohorts.
Key Points
- This report aims to highlight the occurrence of cardiac tamponade as a complication following thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
- Detailed examination of a case involving cardiac tamponade post-thrombolysis.
- Assessment of patient history, treatment details, and clinical outcomes.
- Cardiac tamponade developed early after thrombolysis, requiring urgent intervention.
- The case illustrates the bleeding risk associated with thrombolysis treatment.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=392)
Structured PICO
Does emergency percutaneous pericardiocentesis improve clinical and hemodynamic status in patients developing cardiac tamponade early after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction?
P
Population
392 consecutive patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction and treated with thrombolytic drugs, among whom 4 developed early hemorrhagic pericardial effusion.
E
Exposure
Emergency percutaneous pericardiocentesis followed by continuous drainage
O
Outcome
Correction of clinical and hemodynamic status following pericardiocentesissafety
Early hemorrhagic pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade is a rare (1%) but life-threatening complication of thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction that can be effectively treated with immediate percutaneous pericardiocentesis.
Cite This Study
Renkin et al. (1991) conducted an observational in Acute myocardial infarction (n=392). Thrombolytic drugs was evaluated on Early hemorrhagic pericardial effusion evolving to cardiogenic shock consequent to cardiac tamponade. Among 392 patients treated with thrombolytic drugs for acute myocardial infarction, 1% developed early hemorrhagic pericardial effusion evolving to cardiac tamponade within 24 hours.