Severe reversible left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction due to accidental iatrogenic epinephrine
Navin Budhwani1, Kenneth L Bonaparte, Aloysius B Cuyjet
1Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract:
Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy due to chronic excess of endogenous catecholamines has been recognized for decades as a clinical phenomenon. In contrast, reports of myocardial dysfunction due to acute iatrogenic overdose are rare. A 35-year-old woman whose cervix uteri was inadvertently injected with 8 mg of epinephrine developed myocardial stunning that was characterized by severe hemodynamic compromise, profound, albeit transient, left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and only modestly elevated biochemical markers of myocardial necrosis. Our case illustrates the serious consequences of medical errors that can be avoided through improved medication labeling and staff supervision.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

