VV-ECMO as a lifesaving measure for refractory bronchospasm in anaphylactic shock: A case report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Refractory anaphylaxis is rare but carries high mortality, particularly when complicated by severe bronchospasm and respiratory failure. We present a 32-year-old individual with food-induced anaphylaxis and profound bronchospasm unresponsive to first- and second-line therapies, resulting in severe hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure despite mechanical ventilation. Peripheral venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) was emergently initiated, leading to rapid stabilization and full recovery. This case demonstrates the successful use of VV-ECMO as a life-saving bridge in anaphylaxis-induced respiratory failure. This is one of the few reported cases of successful use of VV-ECMO for refractory bronchospasm secondary to anaphylaxis.
Source: Perfusion
Institution: Mayo Clinic
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4414602276