Ventricular tachycardia storm: a case series and literature review.
Journal: 2016/April - Medical Journal of Malaysia
ISSN: 0300-5283
PUBMED: 23770949
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm is an uncommon but life-threatening condition. We describe the incidence, causes and management of VT storm among patients admitted to the coronary care unit of a large tertiary hospital.
METHODS
Between 1 November 2009 and 30 April 2010, 198 patients were admitted to the coronary care unit and 7 (3.5%) presented with VT storm. A retrospective review of their records was conducted. The mean follow-up period was 268 (196 to 345) days.
RESULTS
The mean age was 67 years and 4 patients were male. One patient had a previous myocardial infarction. All had abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction, median of 30%. Acute myocardial infarction (4 patients) was the most common trigger, followed by decompensated heart failure (1), systemic inflammatory response syndrome on a background of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (1) and bradycardia-induced polymorphic VT (1). Three patients had polymorphic VT and the rest had monomorphic VT. Intravenous amiodarone, lignocaine, overdrive pacing and intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation were useful in arrhythmia control. Three patients underwent coronary revascularization, 3 patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, 1 had a permanent cardiac pacemaker, 1 died during the acute episode. Five out of the 6 survivors were prescribed oral beta-blockers upon discharge. On follow-up, none of the patients had a recurrence of the tachyarrhythmia.
CONCLUSIONS
Acute myocardial infarction was the main trigger of VT storm in our patients. Intravenous amiodarone, lignocaine, overdrive pacing and intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation were useful at suppressing VT storm.
Relations:
Citations
(2)
Diseases
(2)
Conditions
(1)
Drugs
(1)
Organisms
(1)
Affiliates
(1)
Similar articles
Articles by the same authors
Discussion board
Collaboration tool especially designed for Life Science professionals.Drag-and-drop any entity to your messages.