Cardiogenic shock associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Systemic complications are frequent in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Among these complications, electrocardiographic abnormalities simulating ischemic cardiomyopathy may occur, possibly associated with myocardial dysfunction. This manuscript aims to report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with myocardial dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. A 45 years old woman was admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage and coma, showing Glasgow scale = 7, Hunt-Hess = 5 and Fischer computed tomography classification = 3. On the second day, the patient underwent anterior cerebral communicant artery aneurysm embolization. The clinical evaluation revealed diffuse pulmonary infiltration, dyspnea and hypotension. Additional tests showed electrocardiographic lateral wall repolarization changes and elevated creatine kinase-MB fraction (36U/L). The cardiac index was 2.03 L/minute/m², Vascular systemic resistance was 3728 dynes.sec/cm². The non-responsiveness to volume demonstrated a cardiogenic shock pattern. The ventricular ejection fraction was 39%. The coronariography was normal, showing no obstructive lesions. Six days later the patient was removed from respiratory support and after eight days the dobutamine infusion was discontinued. The ejection fraction recovered up to 65%. Serial transcranial Doppler evaluations did not show vascular spasm. After ten days the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage may be complicated with ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock, increasing the cerebral ischemia risk. Diagnosis optimization and hemodynamic stabilization are essential to minimize the risk of cerebral vasospasm and ischemia.