Near fatal electrical storm in a patient equipped with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for Brugada syndrome

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2000 Mar;23(3):410-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2000.tb06772.x.

Abstract

A patient with Brugada syndrome experienced incessant ventricular fibrillation 7 years after implantation of an ICD. General anesthesia, fast ventricular pacing, bretylium, and atenolol infusion were ineffective; amiodarone infusion was started. After 190 defibrillation shocks over 36 hours, the electrical storm stopped. A multiorgan failure occurred as a complication of the electrical storm and necessitated prolonged reanimation. Thorough cardiac evaluation revealed no structural abnormality and the patient, now on chronic oral amiodarone therapy, remains free of arrhythmia 1 year after the event.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bundle-Branch Block / complications
  • Bundle-Branch Block / therapy*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Syndrome
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / complications
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy*