'Frequent' ventricular bigeminy--a reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. How frequent is 'frequent'?

Eur J Heart Fail. 2006 Dec;8(8):869-73. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2006.02.011. Epub 2006 Mar 6.

Abstract

An interesting development in the field of heart failure has been the link between frequent premature ventricular contractions and cardiomyopathy. We report a patient whose frequent ventricular bigeminy resulted in left ventricular impairment that resolved after the use of non-contact mapping during radiofrequency ablation. A review of the literature regarding possible mechanisms is discussed. For the practicing clinician, the question of 'frequent' should be taken in context of symptoms and LV function. A single 24-h Holter monitor may not truly reflect the ectopic load. We recommend that if there is associated LV dysfunction and a causal link to frequent PVCs then suppression with radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment strategy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / etiology*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / pathology
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / physiopathology*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / complications*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology*