Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Following Antipsychotic Treatment and Physical Restraint

We report on a case of fatal pulmonary embolism in a 68-year-old patient receiving antipsychotic treatment with haloperidol and olanzapine for acute exacerbation of her schizophrenia and having been physically restrained for 27.5 h. Pulmonary embolism was verified by autopsy. With reference to a review of the recent literature we briefly discuss current recommendations for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in clinical psychiatry, which is a rare but highly relevant complication of antipsychotic treatment.

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