Implantable cardioverter defibrillator as therapeutic option for sudden cardiac death secondary to severe coronary vasospasm

Int J Cardiol. 1998 Jan 31;63(2):181-3. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5273(97)00275-1.

Abstract

We report a case of a patient with angina at rest followed by sudden cardiac death secondary to ventricular fibrillation. Cardiac catheterization did not show significant coronary stenosis but after an acetylcholine test, a severe coronary spasm was induced. Despite intensive medical therapy, vasospasm was not prevented. Finally, the patient received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to avoid the risk of sudden cardiac death. In our opinion, ICD in addition to medical therapy may be useful in patients with sudden cardiac death secondary to coronary vasospasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / complications*
  • Angina Pectoris / diagnosis
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Vasospasm / complications*
  • Coronary Vasospasm / diagnosis
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electric Countershock
  • Electrocardiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Arrest / diagnosis
  • Heart Arrest / etiology
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / complications
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy*