Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting as cardiorespiratory arrest

Three cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured developmental (berry) aneurysm are reported. Two patients presented with cardiac arrest and were successfully resuscitated, but the diagnosis of SAH was delayed and this most likely influenced poor final outcome. The third patient presented with irreversible respiratory arrest. The possible mechanisms responsible for SAH-triggered cardiac arrhythmia and/or respiratory arrest are discussed. Absence of previous cardiac history, persistent headache, focal neurologic findings (especially papilledema or subhyaloid hemorrhages) should warn the clinician of the possibility of SAH and warrant further neurologic investigation.