Veno-arterial ECMO for the management of propofol infusion syndrome following cardiac surgery.

Abstract

Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) has been described in patients requiring prolonged sedation with this drug, as may occur in some cases after cardiac surgery. Its treatment is based on discontinuation of the drug and supportive management of organ dysfunction until resolution. In the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, diagnosing PRIS poses a challenge, since it must be differentiated from other, more common complications such as postcardiotomy shock. In these patients, PRIS may fatally worsen the prognosis. Veno-arterial ECMO therapy may help maintain cardiac output. Both the diagnosis of PRIS after cardiac surgery and its treatment with ECMO have been scarcely reported. We present a case of PRIS after cardiac surgery successfully managed with ECMO.