Adenosine-sensitive ventricular tachycardia: a conceptual approach

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 1996 Jun;7(6):559-69. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.1996.tb00563.x.

Abstract

Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a term that refers to tachycardia that arises from ventricles devoid of apparent structural abnormalities. This form of VT is now recognized to be related to several distinct entities and includes a reentrant form typically located in the region of the left posterior fascicle, an automatic form that may originate from either ventricle, and a form that originates from the right ventricular outflow tract. This last type can account for up to 80% of cases of idiopathic VT and with few exceptions can be further subdivided into repetitive monomorphic VT and paroxysmal stress-induced VT. Evidence has accumulated suggesting that both forms of VT are related to cAMP-mediated triggered activity. The experimental underpinnings of this conclusion as well as the clinical characteristics of this form of idiopathic VT are elucidated in this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Ventricles / drug effects
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / chemically induced
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Adenosine