Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Apr;127(4):735-739. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001333.

Abstract

Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is a genetic disorder in which ventricular tachycardia occurs in the absence of structural heart disease or a prolonged QT interval. If untreated, there is a high incidence of sudden cardiac death. Management of this cardiac condition during pregnancy merits a multidisciplinary approach.

Case: A nulliparous woman with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia presented at 15 weeks of gestation. Her care involved a multidisciplinary team including cardiology, maternal-fetal medicine, obstetric nursing, cardiac nursing, and anesthesia. A simulation scenario was designed to prepare for cardiac events during labor. A term intrapartum cesarean delivery was performed for fetal indications.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach to the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care of women with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is critical to a team-based successful pregnancy outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / etiology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / complications*

Supplementary concepts

  • Polymorphic catecholergic ventricular tachycardia