Ventricular fibrillation during anesthesia in association with J waves in the left precordial leads in a child with coarctation of the aorta

J Electrocardiol. 2003 Oct;36(4):339-43. doi: 10.1016/s0022-0736(03)00079-7.

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy with coarctation of the aorta who showed repeat ventricular fibrillation during anesthesia, and ultimately sudden cardiac death in school, is presented. Electrocardiography showed J waves in the left precordial leads, which became prominent after an episode of ventricular fibrillation. While some of the clinical features and electrophysiological findings were similar to those seen in Brugada syndrome, others were inconsistent. J waves in the left precordial leads should be recognized as a possible waveform change inducing ventricular fibrillation predominantly at rest.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anesthesia, General*
  • Aortic Coarctation / complications*
  • Aortic Coarctation / diagnosis
  • Aortic Coarctation / therapy*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Heart Conduction System / pathology*
  • Heart Conduction System / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / complications*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy*