Successful lysis of intra-cardiac thrombi with streptokinase in patients with renal failure; two case reports and review of the literature.
In situ formation of thrombi within the cardiac cavities carries a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality due to the inherent danger of embolization to vital organs. This typically occurs in patients with underlying cardiac disorders associated with low flow state favoring regional stagnation of blood and subsequent clotting. Occasionally, extra-cardiac conditions such as renal failure predispose to the development of intra-cardiac thrombi in the presence or absence of identifiable cardiac abnormalities. Once identified, the appropriate treatment of such thrombi remains highly controversial. Here, we report on the successful and safe use of streptokinase in two patients with end stage renal disease with high risk left ventricular, right ventricular and right atrial thrombi.