Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter
08:00

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter

Published on: June 15, 2015

Spontaneous termination of ventricular fibrillation in a patient with congenital coronary anomaly

Oscar A Pellizzón1, Lorena Scaglione, Ana E Chiesa

  • 1Arrhythmia Center, Centenario Hospital, National University of Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.

Congenital Heart Disease
|April 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sudden cardiac arrest from coronary artery anomalies can be fatal. This case report details the first instance of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation termination in a patient with anomalous coronary arteries.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Anatomical Variations

Background:

  • Congenital coronary artery anomalies, particularly origin from the right coronary sinus, are a significant cause of sudden cardiac death.
  • Ventricular fibrillation in these patients typically requires immediate defibrillation for survival.

Observation:

  • A 57-year-old male presented with anomalous origin of the circumflex and left anterior descending coronary arteries from the right coronary sinus.
  • He experienced two episodes of ventricular fibrillation that resolved spontaneously post-percutaneous revascularization of the circumflex artery.
  • Computed tomography angiography confirmed the anomalous coronary origin and identified a muscle bridge over the left anterior descending artery.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented occurrence of spontaneous termination of ventricular fibrillation in a patient with congenital coronary artery anomalies.
  • The spontaneous resolution of ventricular fibrillation suggests potential protective mechanisms or altered electrophysiological substrate in this specific anomaly.

Implications:

  • Understanding spontaneous termination mechanisms may offer new therapeutic insights for managing ventricular fibrillation in coronary anomalies.
  • This case highlights the importance of comprehensive imaging and anatomical assessment in patients with unexplained ventricular fibrillation.
  • Further research into the electrophysiological characteristics of anomalous coronary arteries is warranted.

More Related Videos

A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts07:56

A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts

Published on: February 17, 2023

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction06:57

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Published on: January 31, 2019

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...