Computed tomographic features of circulatory arrest

J Formos Med Assoc. 2006 Apr;105(4):359-62. doi: 10.1016/S0929-6646(09)60130-3.

Abstract

Although computed tomography (CT) is used widely in evaluating injuries from various kinds of trauma, the CT features of circulatory events are rarely reported. Recognizing these features is crucial to proper emergency management of patients when circulatory events occur during CT examination. We report two trauma patients who developed circulatory arrest during CT. Both patients had similar CT features of contrast distribution over the dependent portion of the right-sided venous system, a finding that has been previously reported only in patients with cardiac arrest. The quick paddle look feature may be useful to identify the condition and initiate proper resuscitation of patients without electrocardiographic monitoring in CT rooms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Iohexol / adverse effects
  • Iohexol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / adverse effects*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Iohexol
  • iopromide