# Dual Cardiac Arrests Leading to Hypercoagulability and Extensive Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Hematological Case Report

## TL;DR

An 80-year-old man with a history of bladder cancer developed severe blood clotting in his arm after two heart attacks, highlighting a rare but dangerous complication.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case linking upper extremity deep vein thrombosis to cardiac arrest events.

## Key findings

- The patient developed extensive left upper extremity DVT following two cardiac arrests.
- The case highlights the risk of hypercoagulability and atypical DVT formation after cardiac arrest.
- The patient's condition worsened despite treatment and he passed away within ten days.

## Abstract

Upper extremity (UE) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a rare yet significant complication that can occur following cardiac arrest (CA). CA initiates a prothrombotic state via various processes, including stasis, endothelial damage, and an impaired balance between thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis, which may contribute to UE DVT formation. Inadequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the field may further exacerbate blood stasis and clot formation.

This case report describes an 80-year-old male with a history of bladder cancer who experienced two cardiac arrest events and subsequently developed an extensive left UE DVT. Despite treatment with a heparin drip and other supportive measures, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he passed away on the tenth day of hospitalization. This case is the first to describe UE DVT post-CA. It underscores the importance of recognizing and proactively managing hypercoagulable states post-CA, which can lead to significant DVTs in atypical locations that may evolve into life-threatening conditions.