Recurrent pulseless electrical activity in a patient with coronary vasospasm and supravalvular aortic stenosis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest is associated with poor outcomes and the identification of potentially reversible reasons for cardiac arrest is fundamental. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 46-year-old male with the rare coincidental finding of supravalvular aortic stenosis and coronary vasospasm leading to recurrent pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal life support was successfully applied for hemodynamic stabilization. Supravalvular aorticstenosis underwent surgical repair. The patient survived five time resuscitation and was discharged after full neurological recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary vasospasm and supravalvular aortic stenosis are rare but potentially reversible causes of pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal life support allows accurate diagnostic and possibly therapy even of uncommon reasons for cardiac arrest. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0284-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.