An unusual complication during electroejaculation in an individual with tetraplegia.
Infertility in males is a common problem after spinal cord injury, often requiring interventional methods. In the authors' fertility program they have experienced 4 pregnancies and 3 live births using both electroejaculation (EEJ) and vibratory stimulation techniques. EEJ is a relatively safe procedure with few complications reported in the literature. Here is a case of a 23-year-old with C-6 ASIA A tetraplegia who, while receiving EEJ, developed autonomic dysreflexia that was followed by new onset atrial fibrillation. The patient's cardiac condition required management in the Emergency Department with pharmacologic conversion to a normal sinus rhythm. Although autonomic dysreflexia is a common adverse effect during EEJ, atrial fibrillation has not been previously reported as a complication. It is proposed that the patient's atrial fibrillation developed as a result of cardiac changes induced through autonomic dysreflexia.
Scheutzow
M H
MH
Carolinas Medical Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Charlotte Institute of Rehabilitation, North Carolina 28232, USA.
Bockenek
W L
WL
D000328:Adult; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology*; D020211:Autonomic Dysreflexia / Q000209:etiology*; D004542:Ejaculation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006321:Heart / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*