Electromechanical Dissociation 48 Hours After Atenolol Overdose: Usefulness of Calcium Chloride, ,

Electromechanical dissociation (EMD) occurred in a 20-year-old woman 48 hours after an overdose of atenolol, despite intensive treatment of the β-blocker poisoning (gastric lavage, charcoal, glucagon, epinephrine, atropine, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, administration of fluids, cardiac pacing, and mechanical ventilation). Administration of calcium chloride during EMD repeatedly restored blood pressure. Therefore it may have a role to play in management of atenolol overdose. [Pertoldi F, DʹOrlando L, Mercante WP: Electromechanical dissociation 48 hours after atenolol overdose: Usefulness of calcium chloride. Ann Emerg Med June 1998;31:777-781.]