Thrombolysis and mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation for pulmonary embolism complicated by hepatic and splenic lacerations resulting in major haemorrhage

Thrombolysis with prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be required for the successful resuscitation of patients presenting with massive pulmonary embolism leading to cardiac arrest. A rare, recognised complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is traumatic hepatic and splenic laceration. The incidence of complications is believed to be increased in those who receive automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation, compared to those who receive standard chest compressions. We present a case of a patient with massive pulmonary embolism leading to cardiac arrest which was successfully treated with thrombolysis and mechanical automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The patient suffered hepatic and splenic lacerations resulting in major haemorrhage. This required emergency resuscitation with blood products and splenic embolisation. This case highlights the importance of continual re-assessment of patients, the early recognition of complications and an awareness of the potential complications of treatments we deliver.