Shocked to death: a case report of cardiogenic shock and death following electrocardioversion for atrial fibrillation
Department
Internal Medicine
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent, especially in patients with heart failure. Their prevalence increases with age and both conditions are interrelated. Electrocardioversion (ECV) is considered a safe and effective procedure and is among one of the recommended therapies to terminate AF back to normal sinus rhythm. Our study highlights one of the rare complications following ECV. A 71-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation underwent electrocardioversion and developed sudden onset of ventricular stunning resulting in refractory cardiogenic shock. She was treated with mechanical cardiac support including IABP and Impella. Both provided minimal support then rapid clinical deterioration happened leading to imminent death.
Conclusion: Patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure treated with electrocardioversion might develop refractory cardiogenic shock and death as a complication of this procedure.
First Page
350
Last Page
350
DOI
10.1186/s12872-023-03376-8
Volume
23
Issue
1
Publication Date
7-14-2023
Medical Subject Headings
Female; Humans; Aged; Shock, Cardiogenic; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Failure; Heart
PubMed ID
37452312
Recommended Citation
Hashem, A. M., Al Ali, O., Khalouf, A., Shehadah, A., Mohammed, M., Mahmoud, A., Laguio-Vila, M., & Rao, M. (2023). Shocked to death: a case report of cardiogenic shock and death following electrocardioversion for atrial fibrillation. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 23 (1), 350-350. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-023-03376-8