Adenosine is commonly used for the chemical termination of supraventricular tachycardia.
In addition, even when it is ineffective as an agent of chemical cardioversion, it
may slow the cardiac rate to allow an analysis of the underlying rhythm. Common adverse
effects include facial flushing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Major contraindications
include heart blocks and known adenosine hypersensitivity. This case report illustrates
an episode of cardiopulmonary arrest after adenosine administration and, to the authors'
knowledge, is the first occurrence reported in the literature.
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References
- Adenocard package insert. Astellas Pharma US Inc., Deerfield, IL2005
- Evolving concepts on the value of adenosine hyperresponsiveness in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Thorax. 2002; 57: 649-654
- Respiratory failure following adenosine administration.Am J Emerg Med. 1993; 11: 249-250
- Use of adenosine in patients hospitalized in a university medical center.Am J Med. 1998; 105: 275-280
- Intravenous adenosine and dyspnea in humans.J Appl Physiol. 2005; 98: 180-185
- Is the dyspnea during adenosine cardiac stress test caused by bronchospasm.Am Heart J. 2001; 142: 142-145
Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
November 6,
2008
Received:
October 31,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.