title: Adenosine-induced cardiopulmonary arrest in a patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
abstract: Adenosine is commonly used for the chemical termination of supraventricular tachycardia. In addition, even when it is ineffective as an agent of chemical cardioversion, it may slow the cardiac rate to allow an analysis of the underlying rhythm. Common adverse effects include facial flushing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Major contraindications include heart blocks and known adenosine hypersensitivity. This case report illustrates an episode of cardiopulmonary arrest after adenosine administration and, to the authors' knowledge, is the first occurrence reported in the literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
authors.forename: R Carlin
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Kristen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Felice
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Meehan
authors.forename: Benjamin W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Stull
authors.forename: Heather M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Schumann
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Zautcke
mesh_terms: D000241:Adenosine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000241:Adenosine