Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts
Published on: February 17, 2023
Ventricular fibrillation in two cases with dilated cardiomyopathy and mechanical alternans
Makoto Kodama1, Mahmoud M Ramadan, Wataru Mitsuma
1Division of Cardiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata City, Japan. kodamama@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Clinical implication of mechanical alternans is yet unclear. It may suggest the risk for sudden death in patients with chronic heart failure. Two cases with dilated cardiomyopathy showed mechanical alternans during diagnostic cardiac catheterization. They suddenly died due to ventricular fibrillation before the induction of beta-blocker therapy. Patients with mechanical alternans should be treated under intense monitoring until the induction of beta-blocker therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
