Key result
Vasodilator therapy rapidly restores LV function following recurrent PEA arrests from postoperative coronary vasospasm.
Why the study?
Coronary vasospasm is an underrecognized but reversible trigger of cardiac arrest that can mimic acute coronary syndromes and cause life-threatening instability in critically ill patients.
Case Report (n=1)
Coronary vasospasm is an underrecognized, reversible cause of PEA arrest in critically ill postoperative patients that responds to prompt vasodilator therapy.
Coronary vasospasm may trigger reversible postoperative PEA arrests; this case leaves open its prevalence and systematic detection.
This case describes recurrent pulseless electrical activity arrests in a postoperative patient caused by coronary vasospasm, an underrecognized but reversible trigger of cardiac arrest. Transient ischemic electrocardiogram changes, nonobstructive coronary angiography, rapid improvement with vasodilator therapy, and recovery of left ventricular function supported the diagnosis. The case emphasizes that vasospasm can mimic acute coronary syndromes and precipitate life-threatening instability, particularly in critically ill patients. It adds to current knowledge by highlighting the need for early suspicion, careful vasopressor selection, and prompt initiation of vasodilators to prevent irreversible myocardial injury and improve outcomes.
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Batta et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Recurrent pulseless electrical activity arrests due to coronary vasospasm (n=1). Vasodilator therapy was evaluated on Clinical improvement and recovery of left ventricular function. Vasodilator therapy led to rapid improvement and recovery of left ventricular function in a postoperative patient with recurrent pulseless electrical activity arrests due to coronary vasospasm.
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