Case Report
Patient MC was a 78-year-old female with a past medical history of
diabetes, obstructive lung disease, hypertension, cirrhosis with
esophageal varices and known AAA who presented to the emergency
department after cardiac arrest from her nursing home. She was found
unresponsive, hypoglycemic and with pulseless electrical activity.
Dextrose was given and ACLS initiated with return of spontaneous
circulation after 18 minutes. She required vasopressor support.
Ultrasound findings in the emergency department were concerning for rAAA
and vascular surgery was consulted. After discussion with family, in the
setting of the patient’s cardiac arrest in the field with an unknown
anoxic time we pursued palliative options.