Two case reports on incessant left ventricular tachycardia: curative therapy with radiofrequency ablation

Ann Acad Med Singap. 2002 Jan;31(1):111-4.

Abstract

Introduction: Incessant ventricular tachycardia is a rare arrhythmia which can be life threatening. Treatment with anti-arrhythmic agents may occasionally fail.

Clinical picture: We report 2 cases of incessant ventricular tachycardia. The first case was a young man with idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia who was in incessant ventricular tachycardia despite treatment with multiple anti-arrhythmic drugs and developed dilated cardiomyopathy. The second case was an asymptomatic girl with the incidental finding of an incessant ventricular tachycardia which originated from the left ventricular outflow tract.

Treatment and outcome: Both patients underwent electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation with complete termination of the tachycardia.

Conclusion: Radiofrequency catheter ablation in experienced centres should be the first-line therapy for incessant ventricular tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / complications
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / diagnosis
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / complications
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / complications
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / drug therapy
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents