Cardiac arrest at induction of anesthesia in a child with undiagnosed right-ventricular dependent coronary circulation: a case report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest
Published on: May 26, 2023
Todd A Brown1, Mossad Emad, Motta Pablo
1Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. tabrownmd@adelphia.net
Insights
Pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest, though rare, has a high mortality rate. This case highlights a specific cause in children with complex congenital heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest occurs in 1.4 per 10,000 anesthetics.
- The overall mortality rate for these events is 26%.
Observation:
- A child with a complex congenital heart defect experienced cardiac arrest during anesthesia induction.
- The arrest was attributed to right-ventricular dependent coronary circulation.
Findings:
- The etiology of pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest is often identifiable.
- Right-ventricular dependent coronary circulation is a critical factor in specific congenital heart defects.
Implications:
- Understanding specific etiologies is crucial for managing pediatric cardiac arrest.
- Anesthetic management and outcomes in complex congenital heart disease require careful consideration.
Abstract:
Pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest occurs in 1.4 per 10,000 anesthetics, with an overall mortality rate of 26%. The etiology of the arrest is identifiable in the majority of these patients. We report the case of a child with a complex congenital heart defect, who sustained a cardiac arrest at induction of anesthesia, secondary to right-ventricular dependent coronary circulation. We discuss the incidence, risks, anesthetic management and outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest in the perioperative period especially in patients with complex congenital heart disease.
More Related Videos
13:10Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)
Published on: April 24, 2017
11:27A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult