Adriamycin induced pulseless electrical activity and cardiovascular collapse during general anesthesia for ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion. A case report.

We report a case of a 45-year-old female undergoing an emergency ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. The patient had brain metastatic lesions of breast carcinoma with associated hydrocephalus. She had received Adriamycin as a part of chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer. Her preoperative cardiovascular status was normal. Under general anesthesia, the patient had a sudden cardiovascular collapse. The patient had a pulseless electrical activity and required inotropic support for cardiovascular stability. The possible cause is discussed.