Massive propranolol overdose poorly responsive to pharmacologic therapy: use of the intra-aortic balloon pump

Reported is the case of a 17-year-old woman who experienced full cardiac arrest less than one hour after ingesting 8 g of propranolol. More than two hours of CPR were required because she did not respond to glucagon or high doses of beta and alpha agonists. An intra-aortic balloon pump was used for hemodynamic support of drug-induced cardiogenic shock when pulses returned. She experienced complete recovery without sequelae.