Multiple cardiac arrests induced by pulmonary embolism in a traumatically injured patient

RATIONALE Pulmonary embolism-induced cardiac arrest should not be given up arbitrarily, knowing that the etiology of pulmonary embolism is reversible in most cases. PATIENT CONCERNS We present a case of continuous resuscitation lasting approximately 4 hours, during which 21 episodes of cardiac arrest occurred in a 46-year-old man who sustained high-level paraplegia after a road traffic accident. DIAGNOSES Multiple cardiac arrests induced by pulmonary embolism. INTERVENTIONS The patient received cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolytic therapy. OUTCOMES The patient was discharged in 2 weeks when his condition turned for the better. LESSONS Cardiopulmonary resuscitation of patients with pulmonary embolism-induced cardiac arrest should not be given up arbitrarily, knowing that the etiology of pulmonary embolism is reversible in most cases. Effective external cardiac compression can not only save the patient's life but also attenuate neurological sequelae. Thrombolytic therapy is the key to the final success of resuscitation.