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A survivor with unexplained chest scars
International Journal of Emergency Medicine volume 17, Article number: 44 (2024)
Abstract
This case illustrates chest scars after piston-based chest compression device resuscitation and raises the awareness of the potential benefits of following up survivors of critical illness.
Case presentation
A 68-year-old woman enquires about the origin of painless circular scars over her anterior chest (Fig. 1) at the post ICU consultation. Seven months earlier, she was admitted into the Emergency Department for refractory cardiac arrest caused by a pulmonary embolism. She received intravenous thrombolysis, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and a total of 42 min of CPR.
Anterior chest scars, located over the mid sternum
Diagnosis
Keloid scar following CPR with a piston-based device and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).
Upon examination, the keloid scars exhibit the size and circular pattern typical of the suction cup of a piston-based chest compression device. A review of the medical chart confirms that a LUCAS®3 was used in the ED to provide CPR. As previously reported in one post-mortem study, piston-based chest compression devices are associated with a higher rate of anterior chest lesions, such as hematomas and skin abrasions, compared to manual compression [1]. When using these devices, skin protection is however not recommended to avoid losing the suction effect and ensuring optimal performance.
The patient exhibits a cosmetic sequela as one element of a post intensive care syndrome (PICS). PICS encompasses new or worsening long-lasting physical, cognitive and mental health issues resulting from critical illness and adversely affecting quality of life in survivors [2]. Post-ICU follow-up programs serve to identify and address these issues.
Local steroids and laser therapy are cosmetic options to treat keloid scars. Surgical excision is usually avoided due to a high risk of recurrence. In this case, the patient was relieved to understand the origin of the scars and declined dermatological referral.
Data availability
Not applicable.
References
Lardi C, Egger C, Larribau R, Niquille M, Mangin P, Fracasso T. Traumatic injuries after mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (LUCAS2): a forensic autopsy study. Int J Legal Med [Internet]. 2015;129:1035–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-015-1146-x.
Schwitzer E, Jensen KS, Brinkman L, DeFrancia L, VanVleet J, Baqi E et al. Survival ≠ recovery. CHEST Critical Care [Internet]. 2023;1:100003. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949788423000035.
Funding
none.
Open access funding provided by University of Geneva
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Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
VD and SC conceived the idea. VD and MA wrote the manuscript. SC and EI critically reviewed the manuscript. The patient was involved in the idea of the present manuscript and provided us with photos but prefers to remain anonymous.
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The authors declare no competing interests.
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Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of these images and the case description.
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Donner, V., Affaticati, M., Izydorczyk, E. et al. A survivor with unexplained chest scars. Int J Emerg Med 17, 44 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00618-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00618-0