Characteristics of J wave-associated idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: role of drugs

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2012 Aug;35(8):e226-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2011.03066.x. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Abstract

A storm of J wave-associated idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF) was observed in a 49-year-old man. Multiform premature ventricular complexes initiated the episodes of VF. Intravenous isoproterenol attenuated the J wave and suppressed the VF storm. After the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator, VF was induced by programmed electrical stimulation at baseline, and it was terminated by a 25-J shock after an unsuccessful 15-J shock. During oral treatment with quinidine sulfate, 600 mg daily, the J wave was attenuated and VF became noninducible by programmed electrical stimulation. VF induced by a shock delivered on the T wave was terminated by a single 10-J shock. Mean F-F interval and dominant frequency of the VF were 162 ms and 6.8 Hz at baseline, and 210 ms and 5.0 Hz during the quinidine sulfate treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Humans
  • Isoproterenol / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quinidine / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / drug therapy*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / complications
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Quinidine
  • Isoproterenol

Supplementary concepts

  • Paroxysmal ventricular fibrillation