An unusual complication of a successful cardiopulmonary reanimation

Am J Emerg Med. 2008 Jun;26(5):639.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2007.10.034.

Abstract

We report the case of a 50-year-old man who experienced acute cardiac arrest after transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma. The cardiopulmonary reanimation was successful, but following cranial computed tomography (CT) scans showed an unusual complication of the cardiopulmonary reanimation: the inadvertent intracranial placement of the Wendl tube. Because the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region is a routine neurosurgical procedure, we would like to alert physicians of this unusual complication during cardiopulmonary reanimation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / surgery
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed