BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (Jul 2023)

Shocked to death: a case report of cardiogenic shock and death following electrocardioversion for atrial fibrillation

  • Anas Mohamad Hashem,
  • Omar Al Ali,
  • Amani Khalouf,
  • Ahmed Shehadah,
  • Moghniuddin Mohammed,
  • Amir Mahmoud,
  • Maryrose Laguio-Vila,
  • Mohan Rao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-023-03376-8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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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. Case summary 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.

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