Thrombolysis of a partially occluding superior mesenteric artery thromboembolus by infusion of streptokinase.

Occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery by thromboembolism is an uncommon cause of acute intestinal ischemia but carries a high mortality. This report describes a case of mesenteric thromboembolism in an 80-year-old woman treated successfully by selective low-dose infusion of streptokinase over 17 hours. Only twelve previous cases have been reported in the world literature. Selective thrombolytic therapy appears effective in the treatment of mesenteric thromboembolism, particularly in elderly patients with a high operative risk.