IMPI 2 - A Trial of Intrapericardial Alteplase in Large Pericardial Effusion

The Second Investigation of the Management of Pericarditis (IMPI-2) Trial will compare the effectiveness and safety of complete percutaneous pericardial drainage facilitated by intrapericardial alteplase (recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator) to conventional pericardiocentesis when indicated in 2176 patients with large pericardial effusion due to tuberculous and non-tuberculous pericarditis. An internal pilot study of 218 patients will initially confirm the feasibility of conducting a large-scale multi-centre clinical trial of intrapericardial fibrinolysis in patients with large pericardial effusion, and also provide preliminary safety data, following a dose finding study of intrapericardial alteplase.