Cardiac arrest with anaphylactic shock: a successful resuscitation using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is a systemic type I hypersensitivity reaction, and anaphylactic shock is a potentially lethal complication, which may lead to fatal consequences. Because it rapidly transforms into life-threatening circulatory failure and massive fluid shifts, first-line treatment is epinephrine and volume expansion by intravenous fluids. [...]the main cause of the patient with cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest should first been considered the anaphylactic shock. Because anaphylactic shock leading to cardiac function obstacle was temporary, ECMO had acted as a bridge to recovery from the life-threatening but reversible disease.