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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Stroke or side effect? dofetilide associated facial paralysis after direct current cardioversion for atrial
1Department of Cardiology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Dofetilide is a class III antiarrhythmic drug that has proven efficacious in maintaining sinus rhythm in up to 60% of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Dofetilide's most concerning adverse effect is QT prolongation and polymorphic VT, but providers should be aware of other rare significant side effects. We report a case of dofetilide associated Bell's palsy masquerading as stroke that developed shortly after a cardioversion. The patient's facial weakness, a side effect of dofetilide, resolved relatively quickly after discontinuation of the medication and a short course of oral corticosteroids.
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