A Case of Gastric Rupture after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation by a Bystander

ABSTRACT

The presence of a bystander who can implement cardiopulmonary resuscitation would appear to increase chances of survival. However, there have been many reported complications associated with bystander CPR. Gastric rupture is a rare complication following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An incidence of 0.1% has been reported in the literature. The majority of reported cases have been associated with inappropriate airway management or esophageal intubation. Gastric rupture can occur during chest compressions when the stomach is overinflated due to difficult airway management or esophageal intubation. Here we present the case of a patient with sudden cardiac arrest who experienced gastric rupture and pneumoperitoneum after bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation.