Open AccessCardiac arrest caused by rapidly increasing ascites in a patient with TAFRO syndrome: a case report
Author(s) -
Okumura Masatoshi,
Ujiro Atsushi,
Otsuka Yasunori,
Yamamoto Hiroshi,
Wada Sho,
Iwata Hirofumi,
Kan Toshiaki,
Miyauchi Seiji,
Hashimoto Atsushi,
Sato Yuko,
Fujita Yoshihito,
Fujiwara Yoshihiro,
Shimaoka Hideki
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acute medicine and surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2052-8817
DOI - 10.1002/ams2.278
Subject(s) - medicine , ascites , anasarca , organomegaly , shock (circulatory) , cardiology , polyneuropathy
Case Thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, renal insufficiency, and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome is a newly defined systemic inflammatory disorder with gradual progression of symptoms. A 59‐year‐old man with fever and ascites of unknown cause developed sudden‐onset shock and respiratory failure in the general ward. Cardiac arrest immediately followed. Although he was resuscitated, frequent administration of adrenaline was required to maintain his blood pressure. His circulation was most effectively stabilized by drainage of fluid from his distended abdomen. The volume of discharged ascites reached 4,000 mL at that time, and several liters continued to be discharged for >1 month. The diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome was based on the clinical features and laboratory and histological findings. Outcome The ascites volume and concentrations of inflammatory parameters decreased with treatment using several immunosuppressive agents. Conclusion The newly defined TAFRO syndrome may be life‐threatening. Patients should be monitored for progression to shock and cardiac arrest, especially those with rapidly increasing ascites.