Ventricular fibrillation following successful DC cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2012 Dec;35(12):e361-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2010.03020.x. Epub 2011 Jan 20.

Abstract

Cardioversion remains an important therapy in the management of atrial fibrillation. Here, we report a case where direct current cardioversion resulted in a sudden dramatic change of heart rate that was associated with multiple ventricular fibrillation arrests in a manner akin to that previously observed post-atrioventricular node ablation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Electric Countershock / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology