Intact survival from severe cardiogenic shock caused by the first attack of atrial tachycardia treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and surgical left atrium appendage resection: a case report

BACKGROUND: Atrial tachycardia (AT) is rare in children and can usually be reversed to sinus rhythm with pharmacotherapy and cardioversion. We report a rare case of severe left-sided heart failure due to refractory AT. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-year-old boy had AT with a heart rate of 180 beats/minute, which was refractory to any medication and defibrillation despite the first attack. Due to rapid cardiorespiratory collapse shortly after arriving at our hospital, central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with left arterial venting was started immediately. Although AT persisted after that, it stopped on the 3rd day after admission following surgical resection of the left atrial appendage thought to be the source of AT. He was weaned off ECMO on the 7th day and ventilator on the 14th day. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate timing of central ECMO and surgical ablation were effective in saving this child from a life-threatening situation caused by refractory AT.