Control of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation by implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in a child who survived sudden death
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
99
Journal Issue
7
Pages
576-579
Date Issued
2000
Author(s)
Abstract
Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF) is extremely rare in children who have not previously undergone cardiac surgery. Patients resuscitated from idiopathic VF remain at risk for recurrence. The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) effectively prevents such recurrences. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl who had a history of recurrent syncope and had survived an episode of VF. Serial studies after prolonged but successful resuscitation, including echocardiography, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and coronary angiography failed to reveal abnormal cardiac structures responsible for VF. No abnormal conduction pathways or abnormal early or late afterdepolarization were found on electrophysiologic study. The ST segments of the 12-lead ECG remained normal after procainamide challenge. The patient underwent ICD implantation 2 weeks after admission and syncope did not recur during a follow-up of 14 months. This report emphasizes that idiopathic VF may be responsible for syncope in children. ICD therapy prevents the recurrence of idiopathic VF and the associated risk of sudden death.
SDGs
Other Subjects
angiocardiography; article; case report; defibrillator; echocardiography; electrocardiogram; female; heart ventricle fibrillation; high risk patient; human; idiopathic disease; recurrent disease; school child; ST segment; sudden death; syncope; telemetry; Child; Death, Sudden; Defibrillators, Implantable; Female; Humans; Long QT Syndrome; Ventricular Fibrillation
Type
journal article