Massive pulmonary hemorrhage in a patient treated with a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor

Novel platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have appeared as promising antithrombotic agents. However, their increased risk of bleeding complications, although known, is not well established. We report the case of a serious bleeding complication, a massive pulmonary hemorrhage, in a patient who was treated with one of these agents. Further studies defining guidelines and indications of treatment with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are needed before their routine application to daily practice.