Post partum cardiac arrest secondary to ergometrine‐induced coronary vasospasm. Issue 1 (6th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zucco, Liana; Monks, David
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia cases. Volume 5:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2017-03-06
• Subjects: 617.9605
• DOI: 10.21466/ac.PPCASTE.2017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2396-8397

Abstract

Summary: We present a rare case of post partum cardiac arrest secondary to coronary artery spasm induced by the administration of ergometrine. A 28‐year‐old female of Chinese ethnicity suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after the delivery of a healthy term baby via spontaneous vaginal delivery. The underlying cause was determined to be vasospasm secondary to ergometrine, coupled with a low output state following a post partum haemorrhage. Following treatment she made a full recovery. This case highlights several key learning points; a reminder of the need to consider and recognise cardiac disease as a cause for maternal collapse and arrest, the possibility of coronary artery spasm due to administration of ergot derivatives and the increased susceptibility to vasospasm in specific populations.