A clinical case of successful thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism during pregnancy

Abstract

The risk of venous thromboembolic complications among pregnant women and puerperas is higher than in the general population, which is due to traditional risk factors, as well as physiological and anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy. Symptoms and signs of venous thromboembolic complications during pregnancy are often nonspecific and may coincide with the consequences of changes, including dyspnea, limb edema, and tachycardia. D-dimer levels may be elevated during ongoing pregnancy, limiting its use as a laboratory marker. Identification of the source of thromboembolism in the veins of the lower extremities can be difficult due to the proximal localization of thrombosis in pregnant women, the rare detection of thrombi in this area is associated with incompressibility of the veins due to their intrapelvic location, as well as with altered blood flow mechanics. The main method of treatment is the use of low molecular weight heparins, however, in case of massive thromboembolism, leading to hemodynamic instability and a  high risk of  mortality, thrombolytic therapy is indicated. Thrombolytic therapy is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. The use of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the possibility of penetration of drugs through the placental barrier. The article presents a clinical case of successful thrombolysis in a patient with pulmonary embolism in late pregnancy. The chosen tactics of management corresponded to the clinical guidelines and made it possible to successfully treat pulmonary embolism without complications for the mother and fetus. Drugs were used that do not penetrate the placental barrier and do not have teratogenic effects.