May 11, 2021
Contributor: Gretchen Hinson, MD
Educational Pearls:
- Three episodes of ventricular tachycardia within 24 hours or two episodes back-to-back
- Treat with IV amiodarone and IV beta-blockers initially as well as IV lidocaine
- Correct underlying causes:
-
- IV magnesium for QT prolongation
- Replete potassium in hypokalemia
- Urgent revascularization in ischemia
- For refractory vtach, urgent radiofrequency ablation or stellate ganglion block can be done
- Last resort is placing on the patient on ECMO
References
Muser D, Santangeli P, Liang JJ. Management of ventricular tachycardia storm in patients with structural heart disease. World J Cardiol. 2017;9(6):521-530. doi:10.4330/wjc.v9.i6.521
Eifling M, Razavi M, Massumi A. The evaluation and management of electrical storm. Tex Heart Inst J. 2011;38(2):111-121.
Summarized by John Spartz, MS3
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