Asystole during onyx embolisation of a dural AV fistula: The trigeminocardiac reflex

Interv Neuroradiol. 2019 Apr;25(2):132-134. doi: 10.1177/1591019918800801. Epub 2018 Sep 18.

Abstract

There are fewer than 20 published case reports of bradycardia or asystole during intracranial embolisation procedures. These are well described in open neurosurgical procedures, particularly involving the skull base. We present a case of a 59-year-old male patient who presented for elective embolisation of a dural arteriovenous fistula. During the injection of Onyx, the patient experience sudden asystole, which recurred after a second Onyx injection. Following successful treatment, a third injection proceeded without incident.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Onyx; dAVF; embolisation; haemodynamic instability.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / therapy*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide / adverse effects*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects*
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyvinyls / adverse effects*
  • Reflex, Trigeminocardiac / drug effects*

Substances

  • Onyx copolymer
  • Polyvinyls
  • Dimethyl Sulfoxide