Persistent cardiac arrest caused by profound hypokalaemia after large-dose insulin injection in a young man with type 1 diabetes mellitus: successful rescue with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and subsequent ventricular assist device

A 28-year-old man who had a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus with poor medication compliance was referred to the emergency department of our institute with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient developed sudden cardiac arrest following continuous insulin administration. Laboratory data revealed severe hypokalaemia. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed immediately for 63 minutes. Although his spontaneous circulation resumed, the haemodynamics remained unstable. Peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was therefore employed for mechanical circulatory support. Echocardiography under these conditions revealed generalised hypokinesia of the bilateral ventricles. The left ventricular ejection fraction was only 10-15%. The chest film revealed bilateral pulmonary congestion. The patient developed multiple organ dysfunction, including acute kidney injury, liver congestion and persistent pulmonary oedema, although the hypokalaemia resolved. A temporary bilateral ventricular assist device (Bi-VAD) was used for superior systemic perfusion and unloading of the bilateral ventricles after 16 hours of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. After the start of maintenance using the Bi-VAD, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was discontinued and the inotropic agents were tapered down immediately. Subsequently, the haemodynamics stabilised. All the visceral organs were well perfused with Bi-VAD support. Subsequent echocardiography demonstrated recovery from the myocardial stunning, with the left ventricular ejection fraction returning to 50-60%. The Bi-VAD was gradually weaned and successfully removed 12 days after implantation. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged without organ injury. Over one year of follow up in our out-patient clinic, adequate cardiac function and improved diabetes control were found.