Urokinase. A cost-effective alternative treatment of superior vena cava thrombosis and obstruction.

• Venous thrombosis and subsequent obstruction of the superior vena cava may be life threatening and therefore warrant immediate attention. This case report represents the successful treatment of superior vena cava thrombosis with urokinase in a patient with an indwelling Hickman catheter. Patency of the occluded vessel and resolution of clinical symptoms were achieved within 24 hours of initiation of a 12-hour urokinase infusion. ( Arch Intern Med . 1989;149:1209-1210)