Saddle embolism of the aorta. A complication of streptokinase therapy.

Streptokinase was given to a patient with an unsuspected left ventricular aneurysm as treatment for acute pulmonary embolism. After 2 days of therapy, a large thrombus dislodged from the left ventricular aneurysm and produced an acute saddle embolic occlusion of the abdominal aorta. Detection of mural thrombi by two-dimensional echocardiography in patients with evidence of previous myocardial infarction might prove helpful in identifying those at risk for this complication of streptokinase therapy.