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[Therapy options for Prinzmetal angina induced ventricular vulnerability]
D-I Shin1, M Horlitz, G Haltern
1Herzzentrum Wuppertal, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik 3, Arrenberger Str. 20, 42117 Wuppertal, Germany. nollenshin@gmx.de
Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|April 23, 2003
Summary
Sudden cardiac death due to vasospastic coronary artery was treated. Surgical revascularization with sympathectomy successfully prevented further ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Recurrent ventricular tachycardia can manifest as sudden cardiac death.
- Vasospasm in the right coronary artery is a rare cause of ventricular arrhythmias.
- Standard treatments like implantable cardioverter defibrillators and drug therapies may not always be effective.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male survived sudden cardiac death caused by vasospastic right coronary artery.
- The patient experienced recurrent ventricular tachycardia despite an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and various medications.
- Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting of the affected artery did not resolve the arrhythmias.
Findings:
- Operative myocardial revascularization combined with sympathectomy was performed.
- Following the surgical intervention, the patient remained free of ventricular tachyarrhythmias during a six-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- Surgical revascularization and sympathectomy can be effective in managing refractory ventricular tachycardia caused by coronary artery vasospasm.
- This case highlights the importance of considering coronary artery vasospasm in unexplained ventricular arrhythmias.
- Advanced surgical techniques may offer a solution for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.