Abstract We describe the first reported case in the peer-reviewed literature, in which ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) for high risk, submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) was successfully utilized in a first trimester, pregnant patient (12 weeks gestation), wherein she successfully carried twins to term and underwent uncomplicated cesarean section. By reducing the required dose of fibrinolytic, this report demonstrates the use of USAT as a potentially safe and effective treatment modality for reducing clot burden and rapidly reversing right ventricular dysfunction in this difficult clinical scenario.
Keywords: EKOS; ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis; pregnancy; pulmonary embolism