Case report of a cardiac Harlequin syndrome-electrical storm during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In sepsis-induced cardiogenic shock, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can improve survival. Simultaneous acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) increases the risk of differential hypoxia (Harlequin syndrome). Due to desaturated blood ejected by the heart, the head becomes blue, whereas the lower body remains oxygenated by VA-ECMO. We report on an unusual cardiac manifestation, leading to electrical storm.

Case summary

We present the clinical case of a 55-year-old man. During a minor viral pneumonia, superinfection led to severe ARDS and sepsis-induced refractory cardiogenic shock. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was initiated. In progressive respiratory failure, an electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed the onset of

SUBMITTER: Heinrich M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11839271 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature