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Massive pulmonary haemorrhage complicating the treatment of acute coronary syndrome
Abstract
Antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel and tirofiban (glycoprotien IIb/IIIa inhibitors) are associated with a reduction in mortality and morbidity and are therefore recommended in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Massive pulmonary haemorrhage is a rare complication of both clopidogrel and tirofiban. Pulmonary haemorrhage may easily be mistaken for acute pulmonary oedema, a condition commonly seen in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Physicians need to be aware of this diagnostic dilemma because early treatment increases the chances of patient survival.
- pulmonary haemorrhage
- acute coronary syndrome
- clopidogrel
- tirofiban