Olanzapine Induced Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

A 28-year-old male patient with bipolar disorder taking olanzapine and lorazepam for almost 10 years presented with weight gain, diabetes, and anasarca was examined in this study. Evaluation of the patient revealed he was in heart failure. The reason for his heart failure was ambiguous and an investigation into it revealed negative results. Literature search conducted showed a few reported cases of putative olanzapine induced cardiomyopathy. One such relatively rare case is presented here.

Spinal epidural hematoma - A rare and debilitating complication of thrombolytic therapy.

Thrombolytic therapy directed to the achievement of early reperfusion in cases with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction can have significant complications which can be due to bleeding or in the form of allergic reactions. Sometimes these complications can cause mortality or significant and incapacitating morbidity which may at times surpass the risk possessed by the disease itself. We are reporting an interesting case of 63-year-old male, who presented to us with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction and developed acute onset paralysis following intravenous administration of streptokinase and heparin. MRI spine revealed spinal epidural hematoma. Patient was advised urgent surgical evacuation of hematoma, but opted for conservative management. Patient had significant residual neurological deficits at follow-up. In conclusion, spinal epidural hematoma is a rare complication following thrombolysis for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Though rare, high index of suspicion is required by physicians, as prompt treatment may lead to complete recovery, which otherwise can lead to debilitating neurological sequel.