Outcomes of Catheter-Delivered Thrombolytic Therapy and Resuscitative Measures in a Cardiac Arrest Patient With Massive Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

Acute massive pulmonary embolism is the most critical presentation of venous thromboembolism that needs early detection and management for a better outcome. We present the case of a 42-year-old female who presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of acute dyspnea and descended into cardiac arrest. Working through the advanced cardiac life support guidelines and appropriate resuscitative measures, having high clinical suspicion supported by bedside ultrasound findings, massive pulmonary embolism was the most likely diagnosis, and so the patient was treated with thrombolytic therapy delivered via a central venous catheter. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved, and consequently, she made a complete recovery with no adverse neurological or hemodynamic sequelae. The aim of presenting this topic is to review the literature available on approaches to thrombolytic doses in life-threatening cases of massive pulmonary embolism and to add to an already ongoing discussion about the effects and outcomes of various dosing regimens. The above facts will lead us to conclude that any discussion seeks to remind us of the primary management principle. All physicians should bear this in mind while managing any case ("primum non-nocere," which is a Latin phrase that means "first, do no harm"); it helps to fuel ideologies to seek best practice interventions that ensure the best outcome for pulmonary embolism patients. And such experiences are worth sharing with the world.