Thrombolytic therapy in fulminant pulmonary thromboembolism.

For the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism thrombolytic therapy is efficient in reducing late mortality and complications from chronic pulmonary hypertension. Best results are achieved if treatment is started as soon as possible. Even after days or weeks after pulmonary thromboembolism, however, thrombolytic therapy is beneficial. In life threatening conditions due to right heart failure an initial bolus of 2,000,000 U urokinase should be administered. The number of contraindications can be markedly reduced due to the well controlled thrombolysis with urokinase.