Cerebellar Hemorrhage Presenting with Ventricular Tachycardia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the practical implications of the association between stroke and cardiac arrhythmia.

Methods: We present here a case of cerebellar hemorrhage presenting with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) in a 61-year-old man with no previously known medical problems.

Results: The patient was given oral metoprolol, with a significant reduction in the episodes of NSVT. On further examination, there was an ataxic gait and slurred speech, which was reported to be new by the patient and his accompanying partner. A computed tomography scan of the head performed within 3 hours of symptom onset demonstrated an acute cerebellar parenchymal hemorrhage with local mass effect and extension into the fourth ventricle.

Conclusion: This case acts as a reminder of the association between stroke and cardiac arrhythmia. It is plausible that episodes of NSVT occurred before presentation and were exacerbated by the increased sympathetic activity following the onset of hemorrhage. As such, it is crucial to interpret electrocardiogram investigations in the context of the clinical presentation. Prompt diagnosis is vital to optimizing care.