Case of cardiac arrest due to coronary spasm during laparoscopic distal gastrectomy

We describe a 50-year-old man who developed ventricular arrhythmia followed by cardiac arrest during laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. Preoperatively, there were no findings suggesting an ischemic heart disease. Anesthesia was maintained using sevoflurane combined with epidural anesthesia. His blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG waves were stable during the initial stage of laparoscopic procedure. After establishment of small laparotomy for stomach resection, the blood pressure decreased to before 60 mmHg without remarkable ST change on lead II. Administration of intravenous ephedrine was not effective and a short run appeared. Then persistent ventricular tachycardia followed by ventricular standstill developed. Chest compression and intravenous adrenalin restored sinus rhythm, and thereafter the patient remained hemodynamically stable with intravenous nitroglycerine and nicorandil. The operation was completed and the patient awoke without neurological deficits. Postoperatively the coronary angiography showed no stenosis of coronary arteries; however, when acetylcholine test was attempted on right coronary artery, paroxysmal ventricular fibrillation in accordance with spasm of #1 segmental coronary artery developed. In the case of abrupt onset of lethal arrhythmia, coronary vasospasm should be suspected even when ST changes are not recognized with routine ECG monitor.     

A case of coronary spasm during the operation for lung cancer]

We reported a case of coronary spasm during the operation for lung cancer. A 72-year-old man underwent left upper lobectomy for lung cancer under general anesthesia with the aid of thoracic epidural anesthesia. Preoperative examinations did not reveal any clinical problems in the past. Hypotension and premature ventricular beats were observed for several times during operation due to the compression of the heart and left pulmonary artery by the surgeon's hands in stopping brisk bleeding. After this event, ST-segment of ECG was elevated abruptly. Intravenous administration of nitroglycerin was effective to relieve the coronary spasm in this case. Possible triggering factors were mechanical injury of the coronary artery due to compression of the heart, vagal stimuli under thoracic epidural anesthesia and alpha-stimulating drugs to treat hypotension. The importance of preoperative evaluation of coronary lesions, perioperative treatments with nitrates and calcium-channel blockers, and avoidance of intraoperative triggering factors are emphasized to prevent the coronary spasm.     

Coronary spasm during laryngoplasty

A 63-yr-old man weighing 56kg was scheduled for pharyngoplasty under general anesthesia. The patient had no history of ischemic heart disease. Preoperative ECG showed incomplete right branch block. We administered thiopental and succinylcholine for intubation. Anesthesia was maintained with enflurane, nitrous oxide, oxygen and pancuronium bromide. Thirty minutes after the start of incision, the patient developed a severe hypotension and ECG revealed ST elevation and complete AV block. We administered ephedrine hydrochloride, phenylephrine hydrochloride and atropine sulfate. The ECG returned to sinus rhythm but ST segment was depressed this time. We considered it due to coronary spasm, so we started continuous intravenous administration of nitroglycerin (0.5 microgram. kg-1. min-1). One hour later, ST segment returned to normal. ECG showed no remarkable changes and no symptoms were seen after the operation. We found it important to suspect coronary spasm when ECG showed PVC-like abnormal waves with ST elevation. We consider that continuous administration of nitroglycerin at a rate of 0.5 microgram. kg-1. min-1 was effective for the treatment of coronary spasm in this case.     

Prediction of perioperative cardiac complications by electrocardiographic monitoring during treadmill exercise testing before peripheral vascular surgery

ECG monitoring during treadmill exercise testing was performed in a prospective series of 105 consecutive patients with intermittent claudication scheduled for peripheral vascular surgery. ECG monitoring during the exercise test was useful in predicting perioperative cardiac complications. In 55 patients with evidence of coronary artery disease by history and ECG obtained at rest, a strong association (p less than 0.001) between an ischemic response to exercise testing and the occurrence of perioperative cardiac events was observed. ECG monitoring during the exercise test also revealed previously unsuspected ischemia or arrhythmias in six of the remaining 50 patients and predicted perioperative cardiac problems in four of these six. An ischemic response to low-level treadmill exercise testing probably indicates advanced coronary artery disease and offers valuable predictive information when a revascularization procedure is considered for the relief of intermittent claudication.     

Intraoperative coronary artery spasm--retrospective review of 10 cases

Ten cases of intraoperative coronary artery spasm were reviewed retrospectively. Four cases were open heart surgeries, one was a surgery for aortic dissecting aneurysm, and the other five were abdominal ones. In the cases of open heart surgery under anesthesia with high dose fentanyl, coronary artery spasm occurred at weaning period from cardio-pulmonary bypass. In the cases of abdominal surgery, all under neuroleptanesthesia with continuous epidural block, coronary artery spasm occurred within one hour after the beginning or before the end of operation. In four of five abdominal surgeries, systolic blood pressure became less than 90 mmHg when coronary artery spasm occurred. Coronary artery spasm brought severe depression of myocardial contractility and life threatening arrhythmias by which weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass became difficult during open heart surgery. There was a case which required several hours before hemodynamics became stable also in abdominal surgery. It was suggested that general anesthesia with continuous epidural block could be a triggering factor of coronary artery spasm when hypotension and insufficient depth of general anesthesia are present simultaneously.     

A new aspect of coronary artery spasm induced by cardiac surgery

Five patients developed coronary artery spasm during open heart surgery in our institute between 1984 and 1988. One patient was undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and the other four valvular surgery or surgery for congenital heart disease. In one of the patients undergoing non-coronary surgery, the preoperative induction of right coronary artery spasm by ergonovine had been documented angiographically while the remaining three patients did not possess organic or functional coronary disease. All five patients exhibited a sudden onset of hemodynamic collapse with ventricular tachyarrhythmias or ST elevation during the early period of reperfusion, the time to onset being 89.2±84.8 minutes after unclamping of the aorta. In addition, contraction of the right ventricular free wall was severely impaired. Although one patient died due to left ventricular rupture caused by direct cardiac massage, the early mortality thus being 20 per cent, the other four were successfully treated with the intravenous administration of nitroglycerin and diltiazem. Three patients required the assistance of intraaortic balloon pumping for severe cardiac failure. Thus, during open heart surgery, coronary artery spasm can occur even in patients without organic coronary lesions and the possible mechanisms of this condition are discussed herein.     

A new aspect of coronary artery spasm induced by cardiac surgery

Five patients developed coronary artery spasm during open heart surgery in our institute between 1984 and 1988. One patient was undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and the other four valvular surgery or surgery for congenital heart disease. In one of the patients undergoing non-coronary surgery, the preoperative induction of right coronary artery spasm by ergonovine had been documented angiographically while the remaining three patients did not possess organic or functional coronary disease. All five patients exhibited a sudden onset of hemodynamic collapse with ventricular tachyarrhythmias or ST elevation during the early period of reperfusion, the time to onset being 89.2 +/- 84.8 minutes after unclamping of the aorta. In addition, contraction of the right ventricular free wall was severely impaired. Although one patient died due to left ventricular rupture caused by direct cardiac massage, the early mortality thus being 20 per cent, the other four were successfully treated with the intravenous administration of nitroglycerin and diltiazem. Three patients required the assistance of intraaortic balloon pumping for severe cardiac failure. Thus, during open heart surgery, coronary artery spasm can occur even in patients without organic coronary lesions and the possible mechanisms of this condition are discussed herein.     

Correction by a calcium inhibitor of a coronary spasm occurring during aortocoronary bypass

A case of recurrent coronary artery spasm after coronary revascularization under cardiopulmonary bypass is related. The spasm, which occurred under nitroglycerin perfusion, was suspected on the ECG tracing and confirmed during immediate reoperation. It was successfully treated with bepridil, a calcium-channel blocking agent. The use of such agents after cardiac surgery is discussed.     

Aspects of the value of continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring in the detection and management of ischaemic heart disease. Case reports

In 2 patients admitted for evaluation of chest pain occurring mainly at rest, organic disease of the nondominant circumflex artery only, with normal left anterior descending and right coronary arteries, was demonstrated in each case. Continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring by the Holter system revealed episodes of ST-segment elevation probably due to coronary artery spasm, allowing specific treatment to be instituted. Some aspects of the value of continuous ambulatory Holter monitoring in patients with ischaemic heart disease are discussed.     

Predictors of electrocardiographic change, cardiac troponin elevation, and survival after major vascular surgery: a community hospital experience

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality after vascular surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for myocardial ischemia after vascular surgery and to investigate a potential association of ischemia with mortality in a community hospital setting. A retrospective review was conducted after 190 major vascular procedures. Electrocardiogram (ECG) results and troponin I levels were obtained serially during the first 24 postoperative hours. Outcomes analyzed were ischemic ECG changes, troponin I level more than 2 ng/mL, 6-month mortality, and overall survival. The authors investigated any association of these outcomes with each other and the type of operation, history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, recent coronary intervention, age older than 70 years, or postoperative symptoms. Twenty-seven (14%) patients experienced ischemic ECG changes. Twenty-one (11%) patients experienced troponin I elevation. Univariate analysis revealed a history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, concerning symptoms, and troponin elevation to be predictive of ECG change (P < 0.05). ECG change and symptoms were predictive of troponin elevation (P < 0.01). Cox multivariate analysis revealed only infrainguinal bypass to predict 6-month mortality (odds ratio = 2.92, P = 0.02). Diabetes was the sole predictor of overall mortality (odds ratio = 1.94, P = 0.001). Nonsustained ischemic postoperative ECG changes during the first 24 postoperative hours do not independently influence 6-month or overall mortality after major vascular surgery. Postoperative troponin elevation likely conveys a mortality risk in the subsequent 6 months. In the community hospital setting, midterm survival rates after vascular surgery equivalent to those in higher volume centers can be achieved. Patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass and diabetics continue to be the most moribund vasculopaths.     

"Needle-to-scalpel"--the benefit of urgent CABG in significant left main coronary artery stenosis

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is a relatively infrequent but important cause of symptomatic coronary artery disease. The diagnosis of left main coronary artery disease is made by coronary angiography. Coronary artery bypass grafting is the first-line therapy, the standard treatment for LMCA stenosis, which improves the likelihood of survival, while percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is emerging as a possible alternative to surgery. We present the case of a patient with history and symptoms of stable angina pectoris, especially associated with exercise, variable threshold, since four years, and who describes a worsening of symptoms in the last month; the angina had become more frequent, more prolonged and occurred at a lower threshold. At about 20 hours from getting admitted to our hospital, the patient had severe and prolonged rest angina, associated with important changes on ECG, which led to the indication of emergency coronary angiography. This investigation showed severe left main coronary artery stenosis and significant lesions in other important vessels (three-vessel disease), in a patient with normal left ventricular function. The recurrence and the intensity of prolonged angina of our patient have necessitated urgent myocardial revascularization surgery with quadruple coronary-artery bypass grafting. After surgery, the patient was asymptomatic and he was discharged 8 days after in a good clinical state. CONCLUSIONS: The advantage of coronary artery bypass grafting performed as urgent surgery for the treatment of our patient with left main coronary artery stenosis and concomitant acute coronary syndrome, shortly after coronary angiography, was obvious, significantly improved the clinical outcome, without postoperative ischemic complications.     

Repeated coronary artery spasm under general anesthesia

A 52-year-old man without history of angina pectoris underwent emergent abdominal surgery for acute abdomen. General anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane, nitrous oxide and fentanyl. The depth of anesthesia during surgery was considered adequate for the stimuli, but the patient developed ECG abnormality repeatedly finally followed by short run. After anesthesia, we re-examined the recorded ECG and coronary spasm was strongly suspected. Fatal arrhythmia might be avoidable if the prior abnormality in ECG is properly assessed.     

The value of routine preoperative electrocardiography in predicting myocardial infarction after noncardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: The added value of a preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) in the prediction of postoperative myocardial infarction (POMI) and death was compared with clinical risk factors identified from the patient's history. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An ECG is frequently performed before surgery to screen for asymptomatic coronary artery disease. However, the value of ECG abnormalities to predict POMI has been questioned. METHODS: The study included 2967 noncardiac surgery patients >50 years of age from 2 university hospitals, who were expected to stay in the hospital for >24 hours. All data were obtained from electronic record-keeping systems. Patient history and ECG abnormalities were considered as potential predictors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the independent predictors of POMI and all-cause in-hospital mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC area) was estimated to evaluate the ability of different models to discriminate between patients with and without the outcome. RESULTS: A preoperative ECG was available in 2422 patients (80%) and 1087 (45%) of the ECGs showed at least one abnormality. The ROC area of the model that included the independent predictors of POMI obtained from patient history, ie, ischemic heart disease and high-risk surgery, was 0.80. ECG abnormalities that were associated with POMI were a right and a left bundle branch block. After adding these abnormalities in the regression model, the ROC area remained 0.80. Similar results were found for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Bundle branch blocks identified on the preoperative ECG were related to POMI and death but did not improve prediction beyond risk factors identified on patient history.     

A case of coronary artery spasm caused by manipulation of the neck: heart rate variability analysis

A 66-year-old man with no history of ischemic heart disease underwent cervical lymph node dissection. General anesthesia was induced and maintained with remifentanil, along with propofol. With manipulation of the neck and a subcutaneous injection of lidocaine supplemented with adrenaline before the operation, a sudden decrease in blood pressure (BP) and elevation of the ST-T segment appeared on the monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG). Ephedrine, phenylephrine, adrenaline, and nitroglycerin were administered; however, the hypotension was sustained and the ECG abnormalities progressed, along with further elevation of the ST-T segment and a complete atrioventricular block. Following an injection of atropine, the changes in ECG and BP were attenuated. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed using fully recorded monitor variables, and revealed an increase in the high-frequency domain at the time of the cervical manipulation, suggesting simultaneous vagal stimulation and coronary artery spasm. We concluded that the cervical manipulation had increased the vagal tone and we note that HRV analysis was useful to interpret this coronary event.     

Usefulness of multi-lead electrocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiography for the detection and evaluation of intraoperative coronary spasm

We describe a case of coronary spasm in a 59-year-old man undergoing an emergent abdominal aortic replacement for ruptured aortic aneurysm. The patient was brought to the operating room in a state of hypovolemic shock, and was successfully resuscitated through intensive volume expansion by rapid infusion devices. Twenty minutes after cross-clamping of the abdominal aorta, ST-segment elevation on the lead III of electrocardiogram (ECG) and dyskinesis in the inferior wall shown by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were noted. Coronary spasm was suspected, and isosorbide dinitrate was administered intravenously without delay, leading to prompt reversal of ischemic changes. A number of reports have suggested that care should be taken against coronary spasm in non-cardiac surgery as well as cardiac surgery, especially in patients with coronary risk factors. Monitoring by multi-lead ECG and TEE is a powerful method by which to detect and evaluate intraoperative myocardial ischemia.     

Coronary artery spasm during cholecystectomy with pneumoperitoneum--a case report

A 59-year-old man without a history of ischemic heart disease underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with epidural anesthesia. About 15 min after pneumoperitoneum had been achieved, the patient developed ST elevation and hypotension. Vagal stimulation resulting from stretching peritoneum, the procedure and epidural anesthesia are thought to have induced vasospasm. The ST segment became normal after interruption of CO2 insufflation. A postoperative coronary artery angiogram showed normal coronary arteries, but diffuse coronary artery spasm was seen after intracoronary injection of acetylcholine. The patient was discharged on nitrates. Patients with gall bladder stones sometimes have coronary risk factors of obesity, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Careful attention should also be given to patients who do not have a history of coronary disease.     

Predictors of coronary disease in patients with end stage renal disease.

Patients with end stage renal disease have a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and coronary arteriography is often routinely performed prior to kidney transplantation. However, the value of the conventional risk factors and non-invasive markers of coronary artery disease (CAD) in triaging patients for coronary arteriography has not been fully examined. 116 patients with end stage renal disease were evaluated. Coronary arteriography was performed in all patients either for a suspicion of CAD or as part of a routine pre-transplant evaluation. Lesions causing > or = 50% luminal diameter stenosis in any of the three major coronary artery systems were considered significant. The mean age was 53.3 +/- 9.3 years. Significant CAD was present in 69 patients (60%). Increasing age, family history of premature ischemic heart disease, the presence of angina, abnormal Q waves on the ECG or abnormal ST segment depression and the presence of coronary calcification were significant markers of coronary artery disease. However male gender, diabetes mellitus and obesity did not correlate with coronary disease. Even though hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking were also not useful predictors these could have been modified by the renal failure. In conclusion increasing age, a family history of premature ischemic heart disease and some non-invasive markers were useful predictors of coronary disease.     

PREDICTORS OF CORONARY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH END STAGE RENAL DISEASE

Patients with end stage renal disease have a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and coronary arteriography is often routinely performed prior to kidney transplantation. However, the value of the conventional risk factors and non-invasive markers of coronary artery disease (CAD) in triaging patients for coronary arteriography has not been fully examined. 116 patients with end stage renal disease were evaluated. Coronary arteriography was performed in all patients either for a suspicion of CAD or as part of a routine pre-transplant evaluation. Lesions causing ≥ 50% luminal diameter stenosis in any of the three major coronary artery systems were considered significant. The mean age was 53.3 ± 9.3 years. Significant CAD was present in 69 patients (60%). Increasing age, family history of premature ischemic heart disease, the presence of angina, abnormal Q waves on the ECG or abnormal ST segment depression and the presence of coronary calcification were significant markers of coronary artery disease. However male gender, diabetes mellitus and obesity did not correlate with coronary disease. Even though hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking were also not useful predictors these could have been modified by the renal failure. In conclusion increasing age, a family history of premature ischemic heart disease and some non-invasive markers were useful predictors of coronary disease.     

Surgical results of two cases of simultaneous surgery of carotid and coronary occlusive disease]

Two cases of symptomatic extracranial carotid artery stenosis associated with ischemic heart disease are reported. The first case was 72-year-old male, who was admitted because of transient ischemic attack due to the stenosis of left internal carotid artery. He had a history of myocardial infarction and coronary angiography revealed three vessel disease. The second case was 74-year-old female with diabetes mellitus. She was admitted because of cerebral infarction. The carotid angiography revealed critical stenosis of bilateral internal carotid arteries. Her coronary angiography revealed three vessel disease. Her chest symptom became unstable after her admission. In both cases, simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary bypass grafting were performed with successful outcome. In the patients with symptomatic extracranial carotid occlusive disease associated with severe ischemic heart diseases, we advocate simultaneous operation both for carotid and coronary artery occlusive disease.     

Coronary artery spasm during coronary artery bypass surgery]

We report two cases of coronary artery spasm during coronary artery bypass surgery. As one of the complications during cardiac surgeries, coronary vasoconstriction occurs mainly after coming off cardiopulmonary bypass. The factors responsible for the spasm include high endogenous catecholamine levels due to inadequate anesthesia and hypothermia, exogenous catecholamines for circulatory support, various chemical mediators and combination of these factors. Coronary artery spasm was suspected strongly because of sudden ischemic change in electrocardiography and simultaneous aggravation of circulatory parameters, which improved immediately after direct injection of coronary vasodilators into vein graft. This method, popular in coronary angiography and catheterization, is effective for release of coronary-artery spasm observed particularly after cardiopulmonary bypass. Then mechanical circulatory assist is readily available to treat possible systemic side effect of the vasodilators.