Modified infusion of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism with high bleeding risk: a case report

High-risk pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a form of venous thromboembolism that refers to severe obstruction of pulmonary vessels, which causes right ventricular failure and hemodynamic instability. High-risk PTE has a high mortality rate unless immediate reperfusion treatment is done. Systemic thrombolysis is recommended for patients with high-risk PTE. The approved regimen for high-risk PTE is the accelerated intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) 100 mg over 2 hours. Herein, we present a case of high-risk PTE in a 74-year-old woman with a high risk of bleeding due to a recent pelvic fracture and head trauma who was successfully treated with a slower infusion of 100 mg rtPA over 4 hours. The modified infusion rate of 100 mg rtPA over 4 hours is an effective regimen for thrombolysis in acute high-risk PTE. It might have a lower risk of bleeding complications, which makes it a good option for patients with high bleeding risk.