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VOLUME 16 , ISSUE 4 ( October, 2012 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage as a differential diagnosis of pre-hospital cardiac arrest

Sohil Pothiawala

Keywords : Cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, subarachnoid hemorrhage, survival

Citation Information : Pothiawala S. Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage as a differential diagnosis of pre-hospital cardiac arrest. Indian J Crit Care Med 2012; 16 (4):216-218.

DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.106506

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-01-2016

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2012; The Author(s).


Abstract

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most common neurological disorder leading to pre-hospital cardiac arrest. ECG changes in SAH may mimic myocardial infarction or ischemia, and thus lead to delayed treatment of the primary problem. Early identification of SAH-induced cardiac arrest with the use of computed tomography scan of the brain obtained immediately after resuscitation will aid emergency physicians make further decisions. The overall prognosis of patients who are resuscitated is extremely poor. But, prompt neurosurgical referral and multidisciplinary intensive care management can improve the survival rate and the functional outcome. Thus, physicians should consider SAH as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with pre-hospital cardiac arrest.


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