Aortic luminal thrombus and intramural hematoma after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Abstract

We describe the case of a patient with an intramural hematoma and floating thrombus after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 92-year old man had a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation and witnesses immediately initiated manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed immediately on hospital admission because the patient was in cardiogenic shock. In addition to an akinetic anterior wall, examination of the descending thoracic aorta demonstrated an intramural hematoma and a floating intra-aortic thrombus at a distance of 40cm from the dental arch. There was no aortic dissection. The thrombus was attributed to aortic compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although the aortic thrombus and intramural hematoma were not associated with any complications in this patient, insertion of an intra-aortic balloon may have led to aortic rupture or embolic events. Transesophageal echocardiography should be performed, when available, prior to insertion of an intra-aortic balloon for counterpulsation in patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life saving procedure. However, it can be associated with thoracic and especially skeletal injuries, although direct cardiac damage is rare.^(1-6) A few cases of acute intramural aortic hematoma leading to fatal aortic rupture have been described.^(4,7) We describe a case of aortic hematoma combined with a floating intraluminal thrombus associated with manual CPR.

CASE REPORT

A 92-year old male experienced cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Witnesses immediately initiated manual CPR, relayed by a medical team upon arrival on site. Circulation was restored after 20 minutes. Electrocardiogram showed an anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction suggesting an occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. Hypothermia was initiated during transfer to the hospital. The patient was admitted to the emergency room in cardiogenic shock, requiring immediate administration of norepinephrine. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed immediately to evaluate cardiac function. In addition to an akinetic anterior wall, examination of the aorta, before possible insertion of an aortic counterpulsation balloon in this elderly patient, showed an intramural hematoma and a floating intraluminal thrombus in the descending aorta, at a distance of 40cm from the dental arch (Figures 1 and 2, videos available in electronic supplement). There was no aortic dissection. The thrombus was attributed to aortic compression during CPR. Of note, there were no other signs of thoracic trauma (no rib nor sternum fracture). Shortly after admission, a coronary angiogram was performed using radial arterial access and occlusion of the left main coronary artery was treated by endovascular stenting. In view of the advanced age of the patient, presence of an intra-aortic hematoma^(8,9) and persistent cardiogenic shock, stenting of the aorta was not performed. The patient was treated with unfractionated heparin and clopidogrel. A second transesophageal echocardiography performed 2 days later showed that the intra-aortic thrombus had disappeared but the intramural hematoma persisted. There was no evidence of systemic embolization. The patient made a good neurologic recovery but died of severe cardiac failure on the 9^th day. An autopsy could not be performed due to relative refusal.

Figure 1.

Transverse view of descending aorta. An intramural hematoma and intraluminal clot are visualized at 40cm from the dental arch.

Figure 2.

Longitudinal view of descending aorta. This view shows the floating aspect of the clot.

DISCUSSION

Aortic thrombus may occur spontaneously in patients with a normal aorta or in the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. It can also occur in aortic trauma.⁽¹⁰⁾ In this patient, the thrombus may have been related to aortic trauma induced by chest compressions during CPR.

Manual compression CPR can result in significant thoracic trauma with multiple rib fractures, bilateral pulmonary contusions, lacerations of intercostal arteries, myocardial laceration and hemopericardium.^(1-5) Acute intramural aortic hematomas, which rarely lead to fatal aortic rupture,^(4,7) have been described as an uncommon complication of CPR. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report of endoluminal thrombus (combined with intramural hematoma) associated with CPR in the literature.

Given the paucity of reports in the literature, it is difficult to identify factors associated with CPR-induced aortic lesions. The use of mechanical devices may be involved in some cases⁽⁴⁾ although they do not increase the incidence of serious complications.⁽²⁾ Of note, only manual compressions were used in the patient we describe. The age of the patient and the fact that the CPR was performed by laypersons may perhaps have played a role. Indeed skeletal injuries are more frequent in older than in younger patients and when CPR is performed by bystanders rather than trained personnel.⁽⁶⁾ Nevertheless, age alone should not be used as a reason for not performing CPR, because old patients also benefit from CPR, especially when associated with neuroprotective measures as in this patient.⁽¹¹⁾

Optimal treatment for such aortic lesions is debated. Mobile aortic thrombi are often associated with thromboembolic events.⁽¹²⁾ Heparin remains the first-line therapy for mobile aortic thrombi,^(13,14) and thrombectomy through direct aortotomy and aortic stenting can also be considered.^(13,15) Usually, post-CPR aortic lesions are diagnosed at autopsy.⁽⁴⁾ Although the aortic thrombus and intramural hematoma were not associated with any complications in this patient, insertion of an intra-aortic balloon may have resulted in aortic rupture or embolic events.

CONCLUSION

Transesophageal echocardiography should be performed, when available, prior to insertion of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in patients who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation.