Point of care ultrasound in cardiac arrest: A case report of PE in PEA arrest

Abstract

Bedside ultrasound has become an integral part of cardiac arrest resuscitation, enabling the provider to identify potentially reversible conditions in real time. In the setting of pulmonary embolism, bedside ultrasound can be used to diagnose right ventricular dilation thus indicating possible venous thromboembolism. We present a case of a patient with known metastatic cancer who presented with pulseless electrical activity. Bedside transthoracic echocardiography was used to diagnose right ventricular dilation and presumed pulmonary embolism (PE). Given this finding the patient was administered rtPA, resulting in return of spontaneous circulation and eventual hospital discharge neurologically intact.