Successful treatment of severe electrolyte imbalance-induced cardiac arrest caused by adrenal tuberculosis with ECMO in the ED

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease, common in China. TB bacteria can invade multiple organs throughout the body, but they rarely cause critical illness. We present complex critically ill case this report. Case presentation A 40-year-old man suffered sudden cardiac arrest during an emergency room visit. Spontaneous circulation resumed after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), recurrent ventricular fibrillation and refractory shock emerged. Thereafter, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was implemented to maintain hemodynamic stability. Blood test results revealed that patient had severe electrolyte imbalance adrenal insufficiency. Further imaging examination showed tuberculosis lesions including lungs, glands, lumbar spine. In end, successfully moved from ICU weaning ECMO ventilator, then transferred disease specialist hospital for standard anti-tuberculosis therapy. Conclusions has won opportunity diagnosis treatment of young who rare finally achieved good prognosis.