Lack of Cardiac Activity on Bedside Echo Does Not Always Predict Outcome in Cardiac Arrest

A very small percentage of patients without demonstrable cardiac activity may still achieve return of spontaneous circulation.

Does presence or absence of cardiac ventricular wall motion detected on bedside echocardiography predict return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients with cardiac arrest? To answer the question, these authors conducted a systematic literature review with strict inclusion criteria (e.g., transthoracic echocardiography performed in adult patients during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, outcomes reported) and exclusion criteria (e.g., case reports, transesophageal echocardiography). They identified 8 studies with a total of 568 patients.

Rates of ROSC were 18.8% overall, 51.6% in patients with ventricular wall motion detected on echocardiography and 2.4% in those without ventricular wall motion. The positive and negative likelihood ratios…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)