You are managing a 78-year-old male with a history of aortic stenosis who develops cardiac arrest during exertion. His ECG shows ventricular fibrillat...

Question

You are managing a 78-year-old male with a history of aortic stenosis who develops cardiac arrest during exertion. His ECG shows ventricular fibrillation. After 3 shocks, 1 mg adrenaline, and amiodarone 300 mg, he remains in VF. What specific reversible cause should be considered in a patient with known aortic stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Fixed cardiac output state - the underlying structural heart disease is the primary driver and standard ALS may have limited efficacy

Answer

Hypovolaemia - aortic stenosis causes chronic volume depletion

Answer

Tension pneumothorax - aortic stenosis increases chest wall compliance

Answer

Hyperkalaemia - aortic stenosis patients are at high risk

Answer

Pulmonary embolism - aortic stenosis is a risk factor for VTE

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Cardiac Arrest in Structural Heart Disease