Electrical storm: clinical manifestations and management

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Electrical storm is defined as clustered, hemodynamically destabilizing ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation requiring multiple interventions within 24 hours.
• It commonly occurs during acute myocardial infarction, in patients with genetic arrhythmia syndromes, and those with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators.
• Effective management necessitates immediate arrhythmia suppression, identification of reversible causes, and recurrence prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common conditions associated with electrical storm.
• To discuss current therapeutic options for suppressing electrical storm.
• To highlight emerging investigational techniques for refractory cases.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article synthesizing current knowledge on electrical storm.
• It examines established and novel treatment strategies.
• The review integrates information from emergency medicine, critical care, cardiology, and electrophysiology.

Main Results:

• Electrical storm management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialists.
• Therapeutic options range from immediate electrical cardioversion/defibrillation to pharmacologic and device-based interventions.
• Investigational techniques are being developed for patients with treatment-resistant electrical storm.

Conclusions:

• Electrical storm is a critical condition demanding urgent and coordinated medical intervention.
• A comprehensive strategy focusing on arrhythmia control, cause identification, and prevention is essential.
• Ongoing research aims to improve outcomes for patients with refractory electrical storm.