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Published on: August 18, 2016
Coronary spasm during cardiac electrophysiological study following isoproterenol infusion
Insights
Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of death. This case highlights a rare transient coronary spasm during isoproterenol infusion for ventricular tachycardia testing, a critical consideration for electrophysiology procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant cause of mortality, often linked to ventricular fibrillation.
- Ventricular fibrillation, a common pathway for SCD, is a target for ablation therapies.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are recommended for high-risk patients.
Abstract:
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains the leading cause of death in industrialized world. The majority of SCD is caused by ventricular fibrillation associated with structural and/or ischemic heart disease. Ventricular fibrillation represents the final common pathway for SCD and, thus, is an attractive target for ablation. According to class I recommendation level of evidence A, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) should be implanted for such patients [1]. Other than programmed electrical extrastimulus technique, isoproterenol infusion is commonly used in invasive cardiac electrophysiology labs for arrhythmia induction. We hereby report a rare case of transient coronary spasm during isoproterenol infusion for ventricular tachycardia induction testing.
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