Neurogenic cardiopulmonary complications associated with spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage

Abstract

Introduction: Neurogenic cardiopulmonary complications associated with acute brain injury other then subarachnoid hemorrhage were seldom reported, especially in the pediatric population. We report a child who developed cardiac arrhythmia, severe myocardial injury and neurogenic pulmonary edema after cerebellar hemorrhage.

Methods and results: An 11-year-old girl had abrupt onset of spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage presented with a fulminant picture of hypertension, supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, markedly elevated cardiac enzyme (troponin-I > 50 ng/ml), and acute pulmonary edema. The cardiopulmonary complications were deemed neurogenic because of their rapid onset after brain injury and exclusion of external blunt chest injury, resuscitative injury, and risks for underlying cardiac disease.

Conclusions: In addition to SAH, severe neurogenic cardiopulmonary complications could develop in pediatric patients with cerebellar hemorrhage. Supraventricular tachycardia may be an uncommon presenting rhythm that warrants considering cerebral etiology in patients without apparent cardiac risk.