Cardiogenic shock following administration of propofol and fentanyl in a healthy woman: a case report

Acute Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Following Device Closure of Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm

Acute cardiorespiratory distress following device closure of ruptured sinus of Valsava (RSOV) aneurysm can have a battery of differentials. We report a case of acute left ventricular dysfunction with aspiration that caused cardiorespiratory distress immediately following RSOV device closure. Supportive medical therapy led to complete recovery. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Acute idiopathic heart failure following laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is not fully understood. It is thought to occur in patients who have signs and symptoms consistent with acute myocardial infarction but display no obstructive coronary lesions during heart catheterization. Characteristics include transient left ventricular dysfunction, wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram, new electrocardiographic ST-segment changes, and the occurrence of a precipitating stressor.

CASE REPORT

We present a patient who underwent Heller myotomy and suffered acute heart failure in the immediate postoperative period. Left heart catheterization revealed clean coronary arteries, and the patient fully recovered days later. While difficult to fully exclude drug-related causes, we believe this case to be consistent with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

This unusual postoperative complication following uneventful laparoscopic surgery should be kept in mind when unsuspected cardiovascular compromise is seen in the early perioperative recovery period. In addition to the rare occurrence of acute coronary ischemia syndromes and possible perioperative pulmonary embolic events, cardiovascular decompensation related to acute stress syndromes or idiopathic pharmacologic responses must be considered. Even patients who seem most healthy can have complications that warrant immediate attention and treatment.

Potential for Infra-Nodal Heart Block and Cardiogenic Shock With Propofol Administration

We report a case of infra-nodal complete heart block and cardiogenic shock in a previously healthy 64-year-old man after administration of 180 mg of intravenous Propofol. Although bradycardia, hypotension, and heart block are commonly seen with propofol administration, such findings are transient and respond quickly to administration of vagolytic or sympathomimetic agents suggesting an AV nodal mechanism of heart block. Sustained left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiogenic shock by an alternative, non-autonomic mechanism has also been described in the setting of Propofol administration. Our case is the first to note sustained complete infra-nodal heart block in this setting. Early recognition of such a complication, restoration of atrio-ventricular (A-V) synchrony with dual chamber pacing, and aggressive circulatory support is essential in bridging such patients to recovery.