Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2016 | Case report
Recurrent pulseless electrical activity in a patient with coronary vasospasm and supravalvular aortic stenosis: a case report
Authors:
Achim Lother, Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Hans H. Osterhues, Christoph Bode, Tobias Wengenmayer
Published in:
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|
Issue 1/2016
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Abstract
Background
Pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest is associated with poor outcomes and the identification of potentially reversible reasons for cardiac arrest is fundamental.
Case presentation
We describe the case of a 46-year-old male with the rare coincidental finding of supravalvular aortic stenosis and coronary vasospasm leading to recurrent pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal life support was successfully applied for hemodynamic stabilization. Supravalvular aorticstenosis underwent surgical repair. The patient survived five time resuscitation and was discharged after full neurological recovery.
Conclusions
Coronary vasospasm and supravalvular aortic stenosis are rare but potentially reversible causes of pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal life support allows accurate diagnostic and possibly therapy even of uncommon reasons for cardiac arrest.