Resuscitation of an Infant with Ventricular Fibrillation and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

With about 80000 to 100000 reported cases per year, sudden cardiac death is one of the most frequent causes of death in Germany. In this context, cardio-pulmonary resuscitations are much more common in adults compared to pediatric populations. We report a 7-month-old infant who was found lifeless at home. Primary ECG showed ventricular fibrillation, which was terminated by biphasic defibrillation. After return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) the infant was transferred to a pediatric intensive care unit. A 12-lead ECG revealed an ST-elevated anterior myocardial infarction; immediate cardiac catheter examination showed a total occlusion of the anterior ramus interventricularis (RIVA). Additionally, pronounced coronary aneurysms based on Kawasaki disease were found.