Rescue PTCA complicated by pulmonary artery rupture after tPA and abciximab

Since the introduction of pulmonary artery catheterization for hemodynamic monitoring, several complications associated with its use have been describ ed. Pulmonary artery rupture is an infrequent complication of flow-directed pulmonary artery catheters. We report a case of pulmonary artery rupture c omplicating rescue PTCA in the presence of systemic platelet inhibition wit h abciximab (Reopro), anticoagulation, and thrombolytic therapy, With the i ncreasing use of these medications in patients undergoing acute coronary in terventions, particularly those patients requiring hemodynamic monitoring, this uncommon but potentially fatal complication may be seen more frequentl y. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss,Inc.