Effective administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) during resuscitation of a post partum patient with massive pulmonary embolism.

Severe pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest occurred half an hour after the 5th spontaneous delivery in a 34-year-old multipara. Standard resuscitation for 30 minutes remained ineffective. Only after Actilyse rt-PA infusion the patient's state improved. She regained consciousness on the third day. After 32 days of hospital treatment the patient was discharged in a generally good condition. Today, 5 years after the described event her state of health is very good.