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Reversal of Haloperidol-Induced Cardiac Arrest by Using Lipid Emulsion
- Guy Weinberg, MD;
- Guido Di Gregorio, MD;
- David Hiller, MD;
- Agnes Hewett, MD; and
- Archie Sirianni, MD
- From University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, and Riddle Memorial Hospital, Media, PA 19063.
Background: Infusion of lipid emulsion has been reported to be an effective way to treat local anesthetic–induced cardiac toxicity, and recent reports suggest that it might also be effective in other forms of drug-related cardiac arrest (1).
Objective: To report a case of successful resuscitation of a patient with haloperidol-induced cardiac arrest after lipid emulsion infusion.
Case Report: A 45-year-old woman came to the hospital reporting palpitations and chest pain. Her medical history included untreated hypertension, anxiety, depression, opioid abuse, and cigarette smoking. She was extremely agitated. Her heart rate was 64 beats/min, respiratory rate was 30 breaths/min, and blood pressure was 145/59 mm Hg. Physical examination was within normal limits, and toxicology screening was positive for cannabis. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, left atrial enlargement, Q waves in V1 and V2, diffuse T-wave abnormalities, QT interval of 508 ms, and …
