Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Do we have to perform coronary angiography?

Abstract

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading cause of global mortality, while survivors are burdened with long-term neurological and cardiovascular complications. OHCA management at the hospital level remains challenging, due to heterogeneity of OHCA presentation, the critical status of OHCA patients reaching the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the demands of post ROSC treatment. The validity and optimal timing for coronary angiography is one important, yet not fully defined, component of OHCA management. Guidelines state clear recommendations for coronary angiography in OHCA patients with shockable rhythms, cardiogenic shock, or in patients with ST-segment elevation observed in electrocardiography after ROSC. However, there is no established consensus on the angiographic management in other clinical settings. While coronary angiography may accelerate the diagnostic and therapeutic process (provided OHCA was a consequence of coronary artery disease), it might come at the cost of impaired post-resuscitation care quality due to postponing of intensive care management. The aim of the current statement paper is to discuss clinical strategies for the management of OHCA including the stratification to invasive procedures and the rationale behind the risk-benefit ratio of coronary angiography, especially with patients in critical condition.