scholarly journals Double Bolus Alteplase Therapy during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest due to Massive Pulmonary Embolism Guided by Focused Bedside Echocardiography

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz B. Mahboob ◽  
Bruce W. Denney
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Excellent Outcome ◽  
Hemodynamic Compromise ◽  
Bedside Echocardiography ◽  
Resuscitation Guidelines

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) frequently leads to cardiac arrest (CA) which carries an extremely high mortality rate. Although available, randomized trials have not shown survival benefits from thrombolytic use. Thrombolytics however have been used successfully during resuscitation in clinical practice in multiple case reports and in retrospective studies. Recent resuscitation guidelines recommend using alteplase for PE related CA; however they do not offer a standardized treatment regimen. The most consistently applied approach is an intravenous bolus of 50 mg tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) early during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There is no consensus on the subsequent dosing. We present a case in which two 50 mg boluses of t-PA were administered 20 minutes apart during CPR due to persistent hemodynamic compromise guided by bedside echocardiogram. The patient had an excellent outcome with normalization of cardiac function and no neurologic sequela. This case demonstrates the benefit of utilizing bedside echocardiography to guide administration of a second bolus of alteplase when there is persistent hemodynamic compromise despite achieving return of spontaneous circulation after the initial bolus, and there is evidence of persistent right ventricle dysfunction. Future trials are warranted to help establish guidelines for thrombolytic use in cardiac arrest to maximize safety and efficacy.

scholarly journals The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alister Seaton ◽  
Luke E Hodgson ◽  
Ben Creagh-Brown ◽  
Adrian Pakavakis ◽  
Duncan LA Wyncoll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Excellent Outcome ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Failure ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Retrieval Team

A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with a massive pulmonary embolism. Despite thrombolysis there were two episodes of cardiac arrest and following recovery of spontaneous circulation profound cardiorespiratory failure ensued. An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval team initiated veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on site to facilitate transfer to the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centre. An excellent outcome is reported in the short term. This represents one of the few published cases of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for a massive pulmonary embolism following thrombolysis.

scholarly journals Massive pulmonary embolism in pregnancy: intra-arrest thrombolysis and resuscitative hysterotomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. e234083 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Edward Ashbridge Taylor ◽  
Chen Wen Ngua ◽  
Matthew Carwardine
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Postmortem Examination ◽  
Right Heart ◽  
Hypoxic Injury ◽  
Injury Treatment ◽  
Ct Brain ◽  
Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of maternal death and may require intra-arrest thrombolysis as well as resuscitative hysterotomy. The case presented is a primigravida in her mid-30s at 28 weeks gestation. The patient presented to the emergency department after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved but not sustained. Episodic cardiopulmonary resuscitation with epinephrine boluses was required. Resuscitative hysterotomy was performed intra-arrest. Echocardiography revealed a dilated right heart consistent with massive PE and thrombolysis was administered. ROSC was obtained thereafter and output was sustained. Subsequent CT brain revealed irreversible hypoxic injury. Treatment was withdrawn with the support of family. Postmortem examination confirmed massive PE. Thrombolysis can restore and improve cardiovascular status in cardiac arrest caused by massive PE. Thrombolysis is not contraindicated in maternal resuscitation where resuscitative hysterotomy may also be required.

scholarly journals Double Bolus Thrombolysis for Suspected Massive Pulmonary Embolism during Cardiac Arrest

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard O’Connor ◽  
Gareth Fitzpatrick ◽  
Ayman El-Gammal ◽  
Peadar Gilligan
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Right Heart ◽  
Tissue Plasminogen ◽  
End Tidal ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Level

More than 70% of cardiac arrest cases are caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Although thrombolytic therapy is a recognised therapy for both AMI and PE, its indiscriminate use is not routinely recommended during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We present a case describing the successful use of double dose thrombolysis during cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism. Notwithstanding the relative lack of high-level evidence, this case suggests a scenario in which recombinant tissue Plasminogen Activator (rtPA) may be beneficial in cardiac arrest. In addition to the strong clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism as the causative agent of the patient’s cardiac arrest, the extremely low end-tidal CO2suggested a massive PE. The absence of dilatation of the right heart on subxiphoid ultrasound argued against the diagnosis of PE, but not conclusively so. In the context of the circulatory collapse induced by cardiac arrest, this aspect was relegated in terms of importance. The second dose of rtPA utilised in this case resulted in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and did not result in haemorrhage or an adverse effect.

scholarly journals Return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism using early point-of-care ultrasound and timely thrombolytic agent application: Two case reports

2020 ◽  
pp. 102490792096413
Author(s):  
Su Yeong Pyo ◽  
Gwan Jin Park ◽  
Sang Chul Kim ◽  
Hoon Kim ◽  
Suk Woo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Thrombolytic Agent ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism is a confirmed cause of up to 5% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and 5%–13% of unexplained cardiac arrest in patients. However, the true incidence may be much higher, as pulmonary embolism is often clinically underdiagnosed. Thrombolytic therapy is a recognized therapy for pulmonary embolism–associated cardiac arrest but is not routinely recommended during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Therefore, clinicians should attempt to identify patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Many point-of care ultrasound protocols suggest diagnosis of pulmonary embolism for cardiac arrest patients. Case presentation: We describe two male patients (60 years and 66 years, respectively) who presented to the emergency department with cardiac arrest within a period of 1 week. With administration of point-of care ultrasound during the ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in both patients, fibrinolytic therapy was initiated under suspicion of cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism. Both patients had return of spontaneous circulation; however, only the second patient, who received fibrinolytic therapy relatively early, was discharged with a good outcome. In this report, we discussed how to diagnose and manage patients with cardiac arrest–associated pulmonary embolism with the help of point-of care ultrasound. We also discuss the different clinical outcomes of the two patients based on the experience of the clinicians and the timing of thrombolytic agent application. Conclusions: If acute pulmonary embolism is suspected in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we recommend prompt point-of care ultrasound examination. Point-of care ultrasound may help identify patients with pulmonary embolism during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, leading to immediate treatment, although the clinical outcomes may vary.

scholarly journals P684 Paradoxical cerebral infarction due to massive pulmonary embolism in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and surgical embolectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Shiota ◽  
E Kagawa ◽  
M Kato ◽  
N Oda ◽  
E Kunita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Paradoxical Embolism ◽  
Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Surgical Embolectomy ◽  
The Right

Abstract Introduction Paradoxical cerebral infarction is a mechanism of acute ischemic stroke; however, definitive images to diagnose paradoxical embolism are not often obtained. We report a case of paradoxical cerebral embolism complicated with cardiac arrest due to massive pulmonary embolism. Case report A 40-year-old man presented due to sudden-onset chest pain, and was admitted to our hospital. He was restless and had cold sweat; we could not measure blood pressure. Electrocardiography showed wide QRS complex with right bundle branch block, and T wave inversion in leads V1 and III. Transthoracic echocardiography showed diffuse severe left ventricular hypokinesis, with slightly better inferior wall motion compared to other segments. Few minutes after arriving, he experienced cardiac arrest; chest compression was initiated. He was transported to the catheter laboratory, and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated subsequently. To diagnose the cause of arrest, we performed coronary angiography, which revealed no occluded coronary artery. Pulmonary angiograms showed bilateral proximal pulmonary artery occlusion with massive thrombi (panel A). Surgical embolectomy was performed after cardiac team discussion. After ICU admission post-surgery, pericardial effusion was increased, and the blood drained continuously from the chest tube; a large amount of blood transfusion was required. Reopen chest haemostasis was utilised. After the second ICU admission, anisocoria was observed; subsequent computed tomography showed low density and midline shift in almost the entire left cerebral hemisphere (Panel B). Carotid duplex ultrasound revealed a large thrombus saddled at the left carotid artery bifurcation (Panel C and D). We rechecked the transthoracic echocardiogram at arrival to reveal the cause of the cerebral infarction, which showed the thrombus to be at the ascending aorta (Panel E). We thought that the thrombi had moved from the lower limb to the right atrium. The massive pulmonary embolism increased the pulmonary artery and right atrial pressure, resulting in the lower pressure of the left atrium compared to that of the right atrium. The thrombi passed through the patent foramen ovale into the left atrium, moved into the left ventricle, and embolised the left internal carotid artery (Panel F). He expired due to severe neurologic injury from brain herniation. Conclusion In this case, although the pulmonary embolism was massive and led to cardiac arrest, the deteriorated haemodynamics improved by extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and surgical embolectomy. However, we could not rescue the patient because of the severe neurological injury due to paradoxical embolism. Paradoxical cerebral infarction in pulmonary embolism is rare; however, we should pay careful attention to early detection of paradoxical cerebral infarction in pulmonary embolism and treatment for return of the patient to the former lifestyle. Abstract P684 figure

scholarly journals Massive pulmonary embolism with intra-hospital cardiac arrest and full recovery of right ventricular function after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Stephan Camen ◽  
Gerold Söffker ◽  
Stefan Kluge ◽  
Elvin Zengin
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Emergency Situation ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract Background Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) with shock constitutes a life-threatening disease, challenging physicians with the need for fast decision-making in an emergency situation. While thrombolytic treatment or thrombectomy are considered the treatment of choice in high-risk PE, these strategies might not be able to unload the right ventricle (RV) fast enough in some patients with severe cardiogenic shock. Case summary We present a case of a patient with massive bilateral central PE who presented in cardiogenic shock, rapidly deteriorating to cardiac arrest. After successful re-establishing spontaneous circulation, the patient remained highly unstable, necessitating a treatment strategy ensuring a quick stabilization of the circulation. Therefore, we decided to use veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vaECMO) as a supportive strategy allowing for autolysis of the lung to dissolve the thrombi (bridge to recovery). We were able to wean the patient from vaECMO support within 4 days and documented a complete recovery of right ventricular in echocardiography before hospital discharge. Discussion The concept of vaECMO treatment alone might be a valuable alternative in selected patients with massive PE and cardiogenic shock, in whom thrombolytic therapy might not unload the RV fast enough.

scholarly journals Thrombolysis and use of argatroban for the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism following anticoagulation failure in a patient with COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (23) ◽  
pp. 1961-1964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M Sagardia ◽  
Lisa M Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Heparin Therapy ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
First Case

Abstract Purpose Successful use of alteplase and argatroban to treat a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–associated massive pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest is reported. Summary This case report describes a 42-year-old male with COVID-19 who developed a massive pulmonary embolism resulting in cardiac arrest after suspected failure of low-molecular-weight heparin therapy for a deep venous thrombosis. Administration of two 50-mg doses of intravenous alteplase resulted in return of spontaneous circulation, and low-dose argatroban was used as follow-up anticoagulation therapy without complications. This is the first case report of use of argatroban in a patient with COVID-19 with cardiac arrest–associated massive pulmonary embolism after failure of previous anticoagulation efforts. Conclusion Argatroban may be used as an alternate anticoagulation strategy in COVID-19 patients who fail low-molecular weight therapy. A risk versus benefit discussion should be had regarding appropriateness of therapy as well as dosing. More data is needed to understand the unique hypercoagulable condition in COVID-19 patients as well as research that further highlights the role of argatroban and bivalirudin therapy in this patient population.

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