Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
Published on: April 5, 2011
Syncope and inducible ventricular fibrillation in a woman with hemochromatosis
J S Strobel1, A R Fuisz, A E Epstein
1Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA. jstrobel@crml.uab.edu.
Background:
Hemochromatosis has been associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias and congestive heart failure as a consequence of dilated or restrictive cardiomyopathy. Inducible ventricular fibrillation has not been previously described.
Methods And Results:
An electrophysiologic study was conducted in a woman after two episodes of syncope. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were induced with ventricular programmed stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated signal loss in the liver consistent with hemochromatosis, but normal cardiac size and function. Hematologic studies supported a diagnosis of hemochromatosis.
Conclusion:
Cardiac hemochromatosis may be associated with serious ventricular arrhythmias.
Related Concept Videos
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Dysrhythmias I: Introduction
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

