Electrical storm: A focused review for the emergency physician

Electrical storm is a dangerous condition presenting to the Emergency Department that requires rapid diagnosis and management.

This article provides a review of the diagnosis and management of electrical storm for the emergency clinician.

Electrical storm is defined as ≥3 episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or shocks from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator within 24 h. Patients may present with a wide array of symptoms. Initial evaluation should include an electrocardiogram with a rhythm strip and continuous cardiac monitoring, a medication history, assessment of hemodynamic stability, and identification of potential triggers. Management includes an antiarrhythmic and a beta blocker. Refractory patients may benefit from double-sequential defibrillation or more invasive procedures such as intra-aortic balloon pumps, catheter ablation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for critically ill patients. These patients will typically require admission to an intensive care unit.

Electrical storm is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the evaluation and management of these patients.