Ventricular Arrhythmias

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators ◽

Ventricular arrhythmias are common in all forms of heart disease and are an important cause of cardiac arrest and sudden death. Many ventricular arrhythmias are benign but may serve as a marker for underlying disease or its severity. Others are life threatening. The significance of an arrhythmia is determined by the specific characteristics of the arrhythmia and the associated heart disease, and these features guide evaluation and therapy. This review discusses various mechanisms and types of ventricular arrhythmias and management based on clinical presentation (including patients with symptomatic arrhythmia and increased risk of sudden death without arrhythmia symptoms). Genetic arrhythmia syndromes, such as abnormalities of repolarization and the QT interval, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), and inherited cardiomyopathies, are discussed in depth. Under the rubric of management of ventricular arrhythmias, drug therapy for ventricular arrhythmias, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and catheter ablation for VT are also covered. Tables chart out guideline recommendations for ICD therapy, drugs for the management of ventricular arrhythmias, and indications and contraindications for catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. Electrocardiograms are provided, as well as management algorithms for ventricular arrhythmias based on patient presentation, and an algorithm for identifying patients with systolic heart failure and left ventricular ejection less than or equal to 35% who are candidates for consideration of an ICD for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. This review contains 5 highly rendered figures, 3 tables, and 60 references.

Ventricular Arrhythmias

10.2310/im.1075 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Roy M. John ◽

William G Stevenson

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Ventricular Tachycardia ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Sudden Death ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Premature Ventricular Contractions ◽

Ventricular arrhythmias are common in all forms of heart disease and are an important cause of cardiac arrest and sudden death. Many ventricular arrhythmias are benign but may serve as a marker for underlying disease or its severity. Others are life threatening. The significance of an arrhythmia is determined by the specific characteristics of the arrhythmia and the associated heart disease, and these features guide evaluation and therapy. This review discusses various mechanisms and types of ventricular arrhythmias and management based on clinical presentation (including patients with symptomatic arrhythmia and increased risk of sudden death without arrhythmia symptoms). Genetic arrhythmia syndromes, such as abnormalities of repolarization and the QT interval, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), and inherited cardiomyopathies, are discussed in depth. Under the rubric of management of ventricular arrhythmias, drug therapy for ventricular arrhythmias, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and catheter ablation for VT are also covered. Tables chart out guideline recommendations for ICD therapy, drugs for the management of ventricular arrhythmias, and indications and contraindications for catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. Electrocardiograms are provided, as well as management algorithms for ventricular arrhythmias based on patient presentation, and an algorithm for identifying patients with systolic heart failure and left ventricular ejection less than or equal to 35% who are candidates for consideration of an ICD for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. This review contains 5 figures, 8 tables, and 61 references. Keywords: Ventricular arrhythmias, implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), Ventricular tachycardia (VT), Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), Myocardial Infarction (MI), Brugada syndrome, Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), electrocardiographic (ECG)

Ventricular Arrhythmias

10.2310/fm.1075 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Roy M. John ◽

William G Stevenson

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Ventricular Tachycardia ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Sudden Death ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Premature Ventricular Contractions ◽

Ventricular arrhythmias are common in all forms of heart disease and are an important cause of cardiac arrest and sudden death. Many ventricular arrhythmias are benign but may serve as a marker for underlying disease or its severity. Others are life threatening. The significance of an arrhythmia is determined by the specific characteristics of the arrhythmia and the associated heart disease, and these features guide evaluation and therapy. This review discusses various mechanisms and types of ventricular arrhythmias and management based on clinical presentation (including patients with symptomatic arrhythmia and increased risk of sudden death without arrhythmia symptoms). Genetic arrhythmia syndromes, such as abnormalities of repolarization and the QT interval, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), and inherited cardiomyopathies, are discussed in depth. Under the rubric of management of ventricular arrhythmias, drug therapy for ventricular arrhythmias, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and catheter ablation for VT are also covered. Tables chart out guideline recommendations for ICD therapy, drugs for the management of ventricular arrhythmias, and indications and contraindications for catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias. Electrocardiograms are provided, as well as management algorithms for ventricular arrhythmias based on patient presentation, and an algorithm for identifying patients with systolic heart failure and left ventricular ejection less than or equal to 35% who are candidates for consideration of an ICD for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. This review contains 5 figures, 8 tables, and 61 references. Keywords: Ventricular arrhythmias, implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), Ventricular tachycardia (VT), Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), Myocardial Infarction (MI), Brugada syndrome, Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), electrocardiographic (ECG)

Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmias and 1‐Year Predictors of Mortality in Patients Treated With Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Undergoing Generator Replacement

Journal of the American Heart Association ◽

10.1161/jaha.120.018090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Demarchi ◽

Stefano Cornara ◽

Antonio Sanzo ◽

Simone Savastano ◽

Barbara Petracci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

Generator Replacement

Background When implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) battery is depleted most patients undergo generator replacement (GR) even in the absence of persistent ICD indication. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and the overall prognosis of patients with and without persistent ICD indication undergoing GR. Predictors of 1‐year mortality were also analyzed. Methods and Results Patients with structural heart disease implanted with primary prevention ICD undergoing GR were included. Patients were stratified based on the presence/absence of persistent ICD indication (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% at the time of GR and/or history of appropriate ICD therapies during the first generator's life). The study included 371 patients (82% male, 40% with ischemic heart disease). One third of patients (n=121) no longer met ICD indication at the time of GR. During a median follow‐up of 34 months after GR patients without persistent ICD indication showed a significantly lower incidence of appropriate ICD shocks (1.9% versus 16.2%, P <0.001) and ICD therapies. 1‐year mortality was also significantly lower in patients without persistent ICD indication (1% versus 8.3%, P =0.009). At multivariable analysis permanent atrial fibrillation, chronic advanced renal impairment, age >80, and persistent ICD indication were found to be significant predictors of 1‐year mortality. Conclusions Patients without persistent ICD indication at the time of GR show a low incidence of appropriate ICD therapies after GR. Persistent ICD indication, atrial fibrillation, advanced chronic renal disease, and age >80 are significant predictors of 1‐year mortality. Our findings enlighten the need of performing a comprehensive clinical reevaluation of ICD patients at the time of GR.

Cardiac rhythm disorders

10.1093/med/9780198726012.003.0063 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Kristina H. Haugaa ◽

Francesco Faletra ◽

João L. Cavalcante

Keyword(s):

Left Atrial ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Cardiac Rhythm ◽

Left Atrial Appendage ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Atrial Appendage ◽

Prognostic Information ◽

Cardiac rhythm disorders require diagnostic, prognostic, and guidance of therapeutic procedures by echocardiography. The most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF) leading to an increased risk for mortality, heart failure, and thromboembolic events. Echocardiography is performed to assess the aetiology of AF which most commonly is associated with diseases leading to enlarged atria. Furthermore, echocardiography is crucial to evaluate thromboembolic risk by assessing the morphology and function of the left atrial appendage among other parameters. Non-invasive imaging modalities including two-dimensional transthoracic (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) with three-dimensional imaging are often indicated. Finally, TOE can help in the preprocedural planning and providing guidance for interventions such as pulmonary vein ablation and percutaneous left atrial appendage closure. In patients with ventricular arrhythmias, TTE is the first-line diagnostic tool for assessing the aetiology of ventricular arrhythmias. Ischaemic heart disease, either acute or chronic fibrosis, is the most common causes of ventricular tachycardias. Left ventricular ejection fraction remains the most important parameter for indication of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention therapy, although newer strain echocardiographic measures may add incremental prognostic information.

Relation of sudden death in pure mitral regurgitation, with and without mitral valve prolapse, to repetitive ventricular arrhythmias and right and left ventricular ejection fractions

The American Journal of Cardiology ◽

10.1016/0002-9149(87)90261-x ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

pp. 397-399 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Paul Kligfield ◽

Clare Hochreiter ◽

Nathaniel Niles ◽

Richard B. Devereux ◽

Jeffrey S. Borer

Keyword(s):

Mitral Valve ◽

Sudden Death ◽

Mitral Regurgitation ◽

Mitral Valve Prolapse ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Ventricular Ejection ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection

Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis Is a Predictor of Adverse Cardiovascular Outcome

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2008-1907 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 94 (1) ◽

pp. 109-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Kai-Hang Yiu ◽

Man-Hong Jim ◽

Chung-Wah Siu ◽

Chi-Ho Lee ◽

Michele Yuen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Amiodarone Therapy ◽

Abstract Background: Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a clinical condition that is notoriously difficult to manage; the relative risk of adverse cardiovascular events in these patients compared with euthyroid patients is largely unknown. Objective: We compared the clinical characteristics and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in AIT and euthyroid patients. Method: Patients at a tertiary referral center who had been prescribed amiodarone for at least 3 months were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and outcome events were evaluated. MACE was defined as cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure, or ventricular arrhythmias that required hospitalization. Results: A total of 354 patients (61.8 ± 14.1 yr; 64.7% male) with a mean follow-up of 48.6 ± 26.7 months were studied. AIT, euthyroid status, and amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism were identified in 57 (16.1%), 224 (63.3%), and 73 (20.6%) patients, respectively. No differences in baseline clinical characteristics were observed between AIT and euthyroid patients. Nonetheless AIT patients demonstrated a higher MACE rate (31.6 vs. 10.7%, P < 0.01), mostly driven by a higher rate of ventricular arrhythmias that required admission (7.0 vs. 1.3%, P = 0.03). Cox-regression multivariate analysis revealed that AIT (hazard ratio 2.68; confidence interval 1.53–4.68; P < 0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45% (hazard ratio 2.52; confidence interval 1.43–4.42; P < 0.01) were independent predictors of MACE. Conclusion: In patients prescribed long-term amiodarone therapy, occurrence of AIT is associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk of MACE. Regular and close biochemical surveillance is thus advisable to identify and treat this high-risk group of patients.

Loperamide overdose causing torsades de pointes and requiring Impella temporary mechanical support: a case report

European Heart Journal - Case Reports ◽

10.1093/ehjcr/ytz150 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jonathan D Cicci ◽

Sarah M Jagielski ◽

Megan M Clarke ◽

Robert A Rayson ◽

Matthew A Cavender

Keyword(s):

Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽

Mechanical Circulatory Support ◽

Torsades De Pointes ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Circulatory Support ◽

High Dose ◽

Vein Thrombosis

Abstract Background Loperamide is a widely available oral μ-opioid receptor agonist, and loperamide abuse is increasing by those seeking intoxication. Loperamide has potent QTc-prolonging properties, placing patients at risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Case summary A 23-year-old woman was found to be in pulseless ventricular fibrillation with a QTc of 554 ms and received multiple defibrillations and IV lidocaine. Her toxicology studies were negative. She subsequently experienced multiple episodes of torsades de pointes and was found to be in cardiogenic shock with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 5%. Following multiple defibrillations, an Impella® mechanical circulatory support device was placed, and she was given IV magnesium and IV lidocaine. After mechanical circulatory support was withdrawn, she experienced major bleeding and was found to have a deep vein thrombosis, bilateral radial artery thrombosis, and multiple pulmonary embolisms in the setting of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. After stabilizing, she admitted to taking 80 tablets of loperamide 2 mg in pursuit of euphoria. Discussion Loperamide is an increasingly popular agent of abuse. Loperamide-associated ventricular arrhythmias are rare with normal doses but more common with high doses, chronic ingestion, or interacting medications. Loperamide cardiotoxicity may be prolonged due to a long half-life and accumulation. Loperamide abuse may be under-recognized, leading to delays in treatment. Intravenous fluids, magnesium supplementation, chronotropes, transcutaneous or transvenous pacing, and defibrillation may be helpful in mitigating loperamide-associated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Clinicians should monitor for drug interactions in patients taking loperamide and screen for electrocardiographic abnormalities in those taking chronic or high-dose loperamide.

Cardiovascular toxicity follwing sunitinib therapy in metastatic renal cell cancer: A multicenter analysis

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.e16051 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e16051-e16051

Author(s):

G. Di Lorenzo ◽

S. De Placido ◽

G. Cartenì ◽

R. Autorino ◽

A. Gonnella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Renal Cell ◽

Cell Cancer ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Grade 3

e16051 Background: Recent data have shown that cardiotoxicity represents a potentially important side-effect in patients treated with sunitinib. We reviewed cardiac adverse events in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent treatment with this agent. Methods: The medical records of 175 patients with metastatic RCC treated with sunitinib at eight Italian Institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Alterations in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and blood pressure were evaluated. Patients with pre-existing cardiac risk factors were specifically scrutinized for increased expression of cardiac changes. Results: Grade 3 hypertension was seen in 17 patients (9.7%); in twelve of these 17, hypertension developed after receiving the third sunitinib cycle. Among these 17 patients, 12 (70.6%) also experienced left-ventricular systolic (LVEF) dysfunction; in all, 33 of the 175 patients (18.9%) developed some degree of cardiac abnormality, of which 12 were of classified as grade 3 LVEF dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure (CHF) (6.9%). A significant univariate association for predictors of CHF were history of hypertension (p=0.008), history of coronary heart disease (p=0.0005) and prior treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE) (p= 0.04). Multivariate analysis suggested that a history of coronary artery disease (OR 18, 95% CI, 4–160 p 0.005) and hypertension (OR 3, 95% CI, 1.5–80 p 0.04) were the only significant independent predictors of CHF. Conclusions: Patients undergoing sunitinib, especially those with a previous history of hypertension and coronary heart disease, are at increased risk for cardiovascular events and should be monitored for exacerbations of their hypertension and for evidence of LVEF dysfunction during treatment. [Table: see text]

Abstract 17252: Left Ventricular Noncompaction in Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction is Associated With Increased Cardiac Hospitalizations

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.138.suppl_1.17252 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 138 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Vikashsingh Rambhujun ◽

Vijayapraveena Paruchuri ◽

Abdul Moiz Hafiz ◽

Catherine Kreatsoulas ◽

Joshua DeLeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Cardiac Mri ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Function

Introduction: Prominent left ventricular trabeculations or left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is observed now more often with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The significance of LVNC in patients with preserved ejection fraction remains unknown however it may be a precursor to cardiomyopathy. Hypothesis: This study is aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with LVNC and preserved LV function compared to patients with normal myocardial anatomy and function. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients referred for cardiac MRI between October 2012 and July 2017. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease and infiltrative heart disease were excluded. Patients with prominent trabeculations and a noncompacted to compacted myocardial ratio ≥ 2.3 with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥ 50% were included. The primary outcome is defined as cardiac hospitalizations resulting from chest pain, arrhythmias, syncope, and congestive heart failure. These patients were compared to patients who underwent cardiac MRI with preserved function and normal myocardial anatomy. Results: There were a total of 39 patients who met criteria of LVNC with preserved function by MRI. These were compared to 59 patients with preserved function and normal myocardial anatomy on MRI. There was no significant difference in demographics and LV size and function between the groups. In comparison with the control group, the LVNC group had a mean age of 44 ± 14 versus 42 ± 16, 62% female sex versus 59%, LV EF of 59 ± 5% versus 62 ± 6%, LV end diastolic volume of 148 ± 26 ml versus 146 ± 40 ml. There were a total of 7 cardiac hospitalizations, of which 5 occurred in patients with LVNC. LVNC was associated with a greater than 4-fold increased risk of events (HR4.6, 95%CI 1.0-21.8) (figure) Conclusions: In patients with preserved EF, LVNC anatomy is significantly associated with increased cardiac hospitalizations.