Severe Hypotension and Supraventricular Tachycardia during Central Venous Catheterization

Severe Hypotension and Supraventricular Tachycardia during Central Venous Catheterization

Central venous catheterization can induce cardiac arrhythmias, such as, premature atrial or ventricular complexes, which are typically transient events. However, sometimes it initiates supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with hemodynamic repercussions. We present a case of supraventricular tachycardia with cardiovascular collapse during central venous catheterization in a 32-year-old woman with an ovarian mass who required exploratory laparotomy. At first, the guide wire was withdrawn and carotid sinus massage attempted, but the patient did not return to sinus rhythm. Eventually, reversion to sinus rhythm was achieved after injecting adenosine.