Cardiac arrest caused by rapidly increasing ascites in a patient with TAFRO syndrome: a case report

Thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, renal insufficiency, and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome is a newly defined systemic inflammatory disorder with gradual progression of symptoms. A 59-year-old man with fever and ascites of unknown cause developed sudden-onset shock and respiratory failure in the general ward. Cardiac arrest immediately followed. Although he was resuscitated, frequent administration of adrenaline was required to maintain his blood pressure. His circulation was most effectively stabilized by drainage of fluid from his distended abdomen. The volume of discharged ascites reached 4,000 mL at that time, and several liters continued to be discharged for >1 month. The diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome was based on the clinical features and laboratory and histological findings.

The ascites volume and concentrations of inflammatory parameters decreased with treatment using several immunosuppressive agents.

The newly defined TAFRO syndrome may be life-threatening. Patients should be monitored for progression to shock and cardiac arrest, especially those with rapidly increasing ascites.