A Case of Cardiac Arrest Possibly Due to Trigeminocardiac Reflex during Embolization of Vertebral Artery Aneurysm

Key Points

• This study aims to investigate the occurrence of cardiac arrest linked to the trigeminocardiac reflex during a medical procedure.
• Analyzed a case involving a 69-year-old healthy male undergoing emergency vertebral artery embolization.
• Monitored arterial imaging after embolization to assess cardiac events.
• Identified pressure stimulus from contrast agent injection as a trigger for the trigeminocardiac reflex.
• The patient experienced an 8-second cardiac arrest post-embolic procedure.
• Increased pressure from the contrast agent is thought to have stimulated the trigeminal nerve leading to bradycardia.