[Recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias primarily diagnosed as epilepsy]

In Denmark, 6,000-10,000 persons die annually from sudden cardiac death. The majority of these die on account of ventricular fibrillation. A patient is presented here who suffered from recurrent lipothymic seizures which were primarily diagnosed as epilepsy. On account of absence of paraclinical documentation and because of suspected depression, treatment with a cyclic antidepressive agent was commenced, which further increases the tendency to sudden cardiac death. The patient was then brought to hospital with Lidocaine-resistant ventricular fibrillation which responded partly to Ajmalin and partly to Disopyramide. The lipothymic seizures were then interpreted as being precipitated by intermittent malignant episodes of cardiac arrhythmia. During the subsequent six months, the patient has felt well and has been free from lipothymic seizures while receiving 200 mg Mexiletin thrice daily. Attention is drawn to the value of Holter monitoring in the investigation of lipothymic seizures. Lidocaine (despite the existence of resistant cases) must still be considered to be the preparation of first choice on account of extensive knowledge about and confidence in the preparation.