This case illustrates the successful implementation of advanced circulatory support in a critically ill patient with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The hemodynamic recordings demonstrate the effects of mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and acute severe mitral regurgitation.
KEY WORDScardiogenic shock, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, ruptured papillary muscle, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation n CASE PRESENTATION A 53-year-old female presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain. The patient experienced the sudden onset of central chest pain radiating into the back with diaphoresis and dyspnea while at work. She called 911 and was transported by emergency medical services to the emergency department. Intermittent chest pain had been present for 2 weeks with sudden worsening on the day of admission. Risk factor profile included 1-pack/day cigarette smoking for 37 years, hypertension, and untreated hyperlipidemia (low-density lipoprotein: 192 mg/dL). Family history was negative for premature coronary events. Past medical history was notable for hypothyroidism and asymptomatic prolonged QT interval. The patient was not receiving antiplatelet agents.Emergency Department Course 9:23 AM. Initial evaluation revealed a diaphoretic acutely ill female with the following vitals: blood pressure, 63/28 mm Hg; heart rate, 86 beats/min; respiratory rate, 14/min; oxygen saturation, 96%; weight, 179 lbs. Figure 1) demonstrated lateral ST-segment elevation. The patient deteriorated rapidly with occurrence of clinical cardiogenic shock and pulseless electrical activity.
9:43 AM. An electrocardiogram (ECG;9:59 AM. The patient was intubated and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated with an automatic chest compression system. Epinephrine, dopamine, heparin, aspirin, and ticagrelor were administered. A bedside ultrasound was technically difficult and reported as unremarkable. The initial troponin I was 11.69 ng/mL (99th percentile, 0.033 ng/mL).10:13 AM. The level 1 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) system 1,2 was activated and the patient was transported emergently to the cardiac catheterization laboratory.10:25-10:44 AM. Upon arrival in the catheterization laboratory, the patient was intubated and placed on an automatic chest compression system at 100 compressions/min, right femoral artery and vein sheaths were inserted. Initial blood pressure was 85/35 mm Hg, heart rate was 39 beats/min (Figure 2a). Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, sodium bicarbonate, and heparin were administered.10:44-10:55 AM. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was initiated via the left femoral vein and right femoral artery. Circulation