[Hemopericardium after coronary recanalization with streptokinase in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Drainage and early aortocoronary bypass on the 4th day].

A case of hemopericardium after coronary recanalisation with streptokinase during the acute phase of myocardial infarction is reported, emphasising the value of routine daily echocardiography in all cases of intracoronary thrombolysis. The patient was a 48 year old man with a primary antero-lateral infarct in whom coronary angiography was performed at the 4th hour, showing total proximal obstruction of the left anterior descending artery. The streptokinase protocol of intracoronary thrombolysis was performed, resulting in recanalisation of the left anterior descending artery at the 30th minute. Improved left ventricular function and persistance of coronary patency were confirmed 14 hours after recanalisation. In the following days the patient showed signs of right ventricular failure with successive echocardiogrammes demonstrating an increasing pericardial effusion. On the 4th day, 600 ml of blood were drained surgically and aorto-coronary bypass carried out on the left anterior descending artery. This procedure maintained coronary patency and the improvement in left ventricular function. Several studies have shown that the hemorrhage of reperfusion only occurs in the zones of necrosis, and thrombolytics, especially streptokinase, may aggravate this condition.