Vertebral Fracture From Cardioversion Shock

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
To the Editor:— A review of the literature did not reveal any other case of complication of transthoracic electrical shock. This case demonstrates the importance of therapeutic perseverance in managing ventricular fibrillation. Report of a Case:— A 48-year-old white man was brought to the DeKalb General Hospital several hours after the onset of anterior chest pain. Four years previously the patient had been hospitalized nine days for a suspected acute myocardial infarction, though only minor electrocardiographic changes and a duodenal ulcer were proven. He had since experienced recurrent mild angina pectoris. An electrocardiogram taken soon after patient's arrival revealed an acute inferior myocardial infarction (Fig 1). As lead V5 was being run, ventricular fibrillation occurred. Resuscitative measures with a cardioverter led to a slow idioventricular rhythm. During the next hour recurrent ventricular fibrillation necessitated 20 more transthoracic shocks, most at maximal energy settings of 400 watt-seconds. The electrode paddles

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: