Deterioration of ventricular tachycardia to ventricular fibrillation after rapid intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate

Chest. 1992 May;101(5):1445-7. doi: 10.1378/chest.101.5.1445.

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who had development of ventricular fibrillation following rapid intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate (2 g over 5 s) for treatment of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Initial slowing of the tachycardia was followed by gradual widening of QRS complexes and electrical alternans, leading to ventricular fibrillation within 3 min of magnesium administration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Magnesium Sulfate / administration & dosage
  • Magnesium Sulfate / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Tachycardia / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / chemically induced*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / diagnosis

Substances

  • Magnesium Sulfate