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Case Report: Coronary Vasospasm-Induced Cardiac Arrest

ACEP Now

A 45-year-old male with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, amphetamine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use, and coronary vasospasm presented to triage with chest pain. During assessment, the patient reported that a left heart catheterization six months prior indicated spasms but no coronary artery disease.

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Resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation. Should the cath lab be activated?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

After 1 mg of epinephrine they achieved ROSC. Total prehospital meds were epinephrine 1 mg x 3, amiodarone 300 mg and 100 mL of 8.4% But cardiac arrest is a period of near zero flow in the coronary arteries and causes SEVERE ischemia. It also does not uniformly indicate severe coronary disease. sodium bicarbonate.

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2023 AHA Update on ACLS

EMDocs

Emergent coronary angiography is not recommended over a delayed or selective strategy in patients with ROSC after cardiac arrest in the absence of ST-segment elevation, shock, electrical instability, signs of significant myocardial damage, and ongoing ischemia (Level 3: no benefit). COR 1, LOE B-R. COR 2a, LOE B-R. COR 2a, LOE C-LD.

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See what happens when a left main thrombus evolves from subtotal occlusion to total occlusion.

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

The ST segment changes are compatible with severe subendocardial ischemia which can be caused by type I MI from ACS or potentially from type II MI (non-obstructive coronary artery disease with supply/demand mismatch). This patient is actively dying from a left main coronary artery OMI and cardiac arrest from VT/VF or PEA is imminent!

Coronary 130
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Anaphylaxis, chest pain, and ST elevation in aVR

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

In the ED he received methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, and epinephrine for possible anaphylaxis. Shortly after receiving epinephrine, the patient developed new leg cramps and chest pain. And , after resolution of the acute allergic reaction — underlying coronary disease was appropriately ruled out before discharge.

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Updates in the Management of Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest

ACEP Now

2 Standard management for VT and VF involves the use of electrical defibrillation, high-quality chest compressions, and epinephrine. 5 More recent literature defines “refractory” as VT or VF that is persistent or recurrent despite three shocks from a defibrillator, three rounds of epinephrine, and use of an antiarrhythmic (i.e.,

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What are treatment options for this rhythm, when all else fails?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

It shows a proximal LAD occlusion, in conjunction with a subtotally occluded LMCA ( Left Main Coronary Artery ). Epinephrine infusion was begun. Upon contrast injection of the LMCA, the patient deteriorated, as the LMCA was severely diseased and flow to all coronary arteries ( LAD, LCx and RCA ) was compromised.