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Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 1/2016

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.
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Metadata
Title
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
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2261
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-016-0284-5

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