Cardiac rupture during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Case presentation and literature data

Abstract

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is, without doubt, a life-saving procedure which proved its efficiency many times. However, CPR even correctly performed may determine iatrogenic injuries which by themselves may endanger the patient's health or life. In this paper the authors present a case in which a traumatized patient sustained a prolonged CPR of about 105 minutes. The prolongation of CPR was at least in part motivated by the pressure from the members of the patient's family who witnessed the CPR. The post-mortem examination of the body revealed, besides the traumatic injuries, important cardiac injuries due to the CPR. The authors analyze this case in the context of the literature data emphasizing the possible detrimental effects of the family members witnessing CPR and the need for resuscitation duration and technique to be established based on the patient's medical condition.