Adenosine-induced cardiopulmonary arrest in a patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
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.
Walsh
R Carlin
RC
Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Felice
Kristen L
KL
Meehan
Timothy J
TJ
Stull
Benjamin W
BW
Schumann
Heather M
HM
Zautcke
John L
JL
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*
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000241:Adenosine