# Perioperative multivessel coronary artery spasm and cardiac arrest after cardiac surgery

## TL;DR

A rare case of severe coronary artery spasm leading to cardiac arrest after cardiac surgery is reported, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of postoperative coronary artery spasm as a rare but life-threatening complication.

## Key findings

- A 64-year-old male developed severe coronary artery spasm and cardiac arrest 4 hours after surgery.
- Emergency coronary angiography confirmed extensive spasms, which were successfully treated with intracoronary nitroglycerine.

## Abstract

Postoperative coronary artery spasm, a rare but potentially fatal complication following cardiac surgery, warrants significant attention. This report discusses a 64-year-old male who suffered a severe coronary artery spasm leading to cardiac arrest following surgery. Initially stable, the patient rapidly developed critical ventricular arrhythmias and hypotension, resulting in cardiac arrest 4 h post-surgery. Emergency coronary angiography revealed extensive spasms, successfully managed with intracoronary nitroglycerine. This case stresses prompt recognition and management of coronary artery spasm after non-coronary cardiac procedures, underscoring coronary angiography's vital role in diagnosis and treatment.

Coronary vasospasm following cardiac surgery, a relatively rare yet critical condition, can precipitate myocardial infarction and circulatory collapse if not promptly managed [1].