Cardiac arrest at induction of anesthesia in a child with undiagnosed right-ventricular dependent coronary circulation: a case report

Abstract

Pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest occurs in 1.4 per 10,000 anesthetics, with an overall mortality rate of 26%. The etiology of the arrest is identifiable in the majority of these patients. We report the case of a child with a complex congenital heart defect, who sustained a cardiac arrest at induction of anesthesia, secondary to right-ventricular dependent coronary circulation. We discuss the incidence, risks, anesthetic management and outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest in the perioperative period especially in patients with complex congenital heart disease.