Citation

Palanca Arias D, Gutiérrez Sánchez A, Estaben Boldova V, Ayerza Casas A, Madurga Revilla P, García Íñiguez JP. Arch. Pediatr. 2021; 28(4): 342-344.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.arcped.2021.03.005

PMID

33858730

Abstract

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) can provide critical information quickly to determine the etiology after cardiac arrest and may expedite a diagnosis in order to identify underlying treatable causes. We present a case of reversible acute left ventricular dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation following attempted suicide by hanging presenting with severe hypoxemia. FoCUS revealed findings consistent with severe left ventricular dysfunction, and point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) ruled out pneumothorax. These findings, in conjunction with the clinical presentation, facilitated an early identification and rapid evaluation of cardiogenic shock; furthermore, they led to the use of FoCUS, which can provide critical information quickly on site for a patient who is suddenly symptomatic after severe mechanical asphyxia in the pediatric emergency department, pediatric intensive care unit, or the prehospital setting.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Child; Male; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Treatment Outcome; Suicide, Attempted; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Suicidal hanging; Shock, Cardiogenic; Ultrasonography; Hypoxia; Focused cardiac ultrasound; Left ventricular dysfunction; Point-of-Care Systems; Point-of-care ultrasound