Thrombosed arch vessels after cardiac arrest because of pulmonary embolism.

An unusual case of thrombus formation in the arch vessels after cardiac arrest because of pulmonary embolism is reported. A 67-year-old woman developed pulmonary embolism that soon led to cardiac arrest. Although percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was started, the blood pressure of her upper extremity was below 20 mm Hg and blood gas analysis showed marked metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed thrombus in the right pulmonary artery, thrombus with floppy movement in the aortic arch, and 3 arch branch arteries filled with thrombus with little blood flow around it. After thrombolytic therapy, the thrombi gradually shrunk and perfusion in the upper extremities improved. The patient was successfully weaned from percutaneous cardiopulmonary support and was discharged alive. Thrombus formation can occur in the arch branch arteries after cardiac arrest, causing unusual laboratory data. Transesophageal echocardiography is useful for obtaining real-time information in the cardiovascular system at bedside in such a critically ill patient.