Coronary angiogram after cardiac arrest? Reasonably and sensibly

Minerva Anestesiol. 2019 May;85(5):554-558. doi: 10.23736/S0375-9393.19.13425-6. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Abstract

The role of emergency coronary angiography after cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation is not yet completely clear. While patients with a high risk of acute coronary lesion and with a presumed favorable neurological outcome should undergo a coronary angiography as soon as possible, the decision to perform it is questionable in patients who are less likely to have a coronary cause of arrest, and when clinical characteristics raise serious concerns regarding neurological outcome. In this paper, we analyze the main advantages and drawbacks of a coronary angiogram after a successfully resuscitated cardiac arrest.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Coronary Angiography* / adverse effects
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Heart Arrest / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention