scholarly journals Survival after Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Massive Pulmonary Embolism

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Abdullah E. Laher ◽  
Muhammed Moolla ◽  
Feroza Motara ◽  
Fathima Paruk ◽  
Guy Richards
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽  
Pulmonary Angiography ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Postresuscitation Care ◽  
The Right

Introduction. It is estimated that the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is missed in as many as 84% of all cases of PE. Cardiac arrest following PE is generally associated with poor outcomes. Case Report. A 43-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in cardiac arrest. Swelling of his right lower limb was noted on arrival. Point of care ultrasound was performed during ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and showed a thrombus in the right iliofemoral vein as well as dilatation of the right ventricle. Fibrinolytic therapy was initiated immediately and a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved 30 minutes later. The diagnosis of PE was finally confirmed on computed tomography pulmonary angiography once haemodynamic stability was achieved. The patient was thereafter transferred to the intensive care unit for postresuscitation care and further management. Several days later, he was discharged home neurologically intact and fully recovered. Discussion. Since outcomes after cardiac arrest following PE are generally dismal, available and potentially life-saving interventions to restore pulmonary circulation should be rapidly implemented when PE is the likely cause of cardiac arrest.

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 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.

Abstract 421: Point of Care Ultrasound Sonography (POCUS) in Cardiac Arrest: Predicting Survivorship

Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Wong ◽  
Hassan Patail ◽  
Sahar Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Tricuspid Valve ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Flow Stasis

Introduction: Survival after in hospital (IH) cardiac arrest (CA) is at 17% suggesting that CA represents an arena of medical practice which deserves more attention. Ultrasound (US) may have a role in both intra-arrest management and peri-arrest prognosis. Very little is known about the role of ultrasound for IH CA. Hypothesis: Intra- arrest POCUS can provide prognostic value. Methods: This was a single center, prospective observational study and we included all IH CA which occurred when a provider was available to perform a standardized POCUS protocol. US and echocardiography imaging was collected during the intra- arrest period and compared with outcome measures of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to 24 hours post-ROSC. Results: Echocardiographic features which may reflect survivorship include cardiac standstill, right ventricle (RV) blood flow stasis, and the appearance of thrombus formation at or around the tricuspid valve. 10 of 16 (62.50%) patients with cardiac standstill alone and 1 of 3 (33.33%) RV stasis alone did not achieve ROSC. Of those that did achieve ROSC in these two groups, none of the patients survived beyond 24 hours of the CA. 11 of 19 (57.89%) patients with RV stasis in combination with cardiac standstill did not achieve ROSC, and of the remaining 8 patients that achieved ROSC, only 1 patient survived past 24 hours. The combination of cardiac standstill, RV stasis, and tricuspid valve thrombus had 2 of 3 (66.67%) patients fail to achieve ROSC, with the remaining 1 patient surviving only to 24 hours. The presence of cardiac standstill alone confers an association with death, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.212. RV stasis plus cardiac standstill on intra-arrest POCUS confer a markedly higher OR 0.8250 in association with death. Conclusions: Our preliminary work brings to light the role of POCUS for predicting short term survivorship based on echocardiographic patient features. This may have implications for resource utilization in such events.

scholarly journals Do combined ultrasound and electrocardiogram-rhythm findings predict survival in emergency department cardiac arrest patients? The Second Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department (SHoC-ED2) study

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 739-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Beckett ◽  
Paul Atkinson ◽  
Jacqueline Fraser ◽  
Ankona Banerjee ◽  
James French ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Cardiac Activity ◽  
Pulseless Electrical Activity ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

ABSTRACTObjectivesPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used increasingly during resuscitation. The aim of this study was to assess whether combining POCUS and electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm findings better predicts outcomes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe completed a health records review on ED cardiac arrest patients who underwent POCUS. Primary outcome measurements included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission, and survival to hospital discharge.ResultsPOCUS was performed on 180 patients; 45 patients (25.0%; 19.2%–31.8%) demonstrated cardiac activity on initial ECG, and 21 (11.7%; 7.7%–17.2%) had cardiac activity on initial POCUS; 47 patients (26.1%; 20.2%–33.0%) achieved ROSC, 18 (10.0%; 6.3%–15.3%) survived to admission, and 3 (1.7%; 0.3%–5.0%) survived to hospital discharge. As a predictor of failure to achieve ROSC, ECG had a sensitivity of 82.7% (95% CI 75.2%–88.7%) and a specificity of 46.8% (32.1%–61.9%). Overall, POCUS had a higher sensitivity of 96.2% (91.4%–98.8%) but a similar specificity of 34.0% (20.9%–49.3%). In patients with ECG-asystole, POCUS had a sensitivity of 98.18% (93.59%–99.78%) and a specificity of 16.00% (4.54%–36.08%). In patients with pulseless electrical activity, POCUS had a sensitivity of 86.96% (66.41%–97.22%) and a specificity of 54.55% (32.21%–75.61%). Similar patterns were seen for survival to admission and discharge. Only 0.8% (0.0–4.7%) of patients with ECG-asystole and standstill on POCUS survived to hospital discharge.ConclusionThe absence of cardiac activity on POCUS, or on both ECG and POCUS together, better predicts negative outcomes in cardiac arrest than ECG alone. No test reliably predicted survival.

scholarly journals Point-of-care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism with Thrombus in Transit

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Kahl ◽  
Christopher Gabriel ◽  
Shadi Lahham ◽  
Maxwell Thompson ◽  
Wirachin Hoonpongsimanont
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facility ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Right Heart ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Chamber View ◽  
The Right ◽  
In Transit

A 95-year-old female with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation (not on anticoagulation) presented to the emergency department (ED) by ambulance from her skilled nursing facility due to hypoxia. Point-of-care ultrasound was performed, and showed evidence of a large mobile thrombus in the right ventricle on apical four-chamber view. Further evidence of associated right heart strain was seen on the corresponding parasternal short-axis view. These ultrasound findings in combination with the patient’s clinical presentation are diagnostic of acute pulmonary embolism with right heart strain. Point-of-care transthoracic cardiac ultrasound in the ED is an effective tool to promptly diagnose acute pulmonary embolism with right heart strain and thrombus in transit and guide further treatment.

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 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.

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