ECPR successfully used in 5.5-hour cardiac arrest caused by peripartum cardiomyopathy: a case report and minireview

BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest (CA) caused by peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a catastrophic disease that can lead to a high mortality rate in young women. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the initial first aid measure to be taken and unfortunately, does not always lead to the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We shared a rare successful case of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary oxygenation-assisted resuscitation (ECPR) in a patient with CA for up to 5.5 hours due to PPCM. CASE DESCRIPTION: A previously healthy 31-year-old woman at 34 weeks of gestation was admitted to the emergency department with fever and arrhythmia. Two days later, the patient had postpartum CA. She underwent CPR for up to 5 hours before receiving V-A extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and eventually regained spontaneous circulation after half an hour. Based on the clinical manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with PPCM and received treatment. The patient was successfully removed from ECMO after 9 days. The patient experienced ECMO-related complications, including thrombocytopenia and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Although treatment was difficult, the patient was discharged after 2 months without any neurological complications. We followed up for 1 year and the patient was able to work normally as a teacher. In our mini-review, we found that the success rate of ECPR in perinatal CA was high, and ECPR is worthy of promotion and application. CONCLUSIONS: As an advanced life support method, ECPR can save patients undergoing postpartum CA. However, effective CPR and avoidance of ICH are necessary for the recovery of brain function.