Cardiac Arrest during Epidural Anesthesia: A Case Report / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

We report a case of sudden cardiac arrest requiring external thoracic cardiac massage in a 40-year old healthy man receiving epidural anesthesia for elective vasovasostomy. The anesthetic procedure was performed in an operating room. Bradycardia and hypotension occurred 10 minutes after local anesthetic injection. Atropine 0.5 mg and ephedrine 10 mg were administered intravenously, but cardiac arrest followed with unconsciousness and apnea. Atropine 0.5 mg and epinephrine 1 mg were administered intravenously, and external cardiac massage was performed synchronously. The heart rate promptly increased, and the consciousness and spontaneous respiration of the patient were restored. Vital signs became stable in the recovery room and the patient recovered with no sequelae. We conclude that sudden bradycardia and cardiac arrest can unexpectedly develop during epidural anesthesia, and that close monitoring of the patient and adequate management are essential.