Post ECMO cortical microbleed with good neurological outcome: A case report

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to support patients of all ages with acutesevere respiratory failure which does not respond to conventional treatments. Over the years its use in older children and adults is increasing. We hereby report a case of 3 and a half year old girl child with primary acute respiratory distress syndrome. She did not respond to conventional ventilation and rescue therapy underwent Venovenous (V-V) ECMO. Post ECMO she had poor neurological status with cortical microbleeds in MRI, however she had complete neurological recovery in due course of time. Neurological injuries are feared complications of ECMO that result in increased patient morbidity and risk of death. The incidence of neurological complications related to ECMO in neonates and children has been reported to be between 9.9% and 17.3%.