Open AccessAborted Sudden Cardiac Death from Vasospastic-Induced Ventricular Fibrillation with Normal Coronary Angiography: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Krunal H. Patel,
Andrew V. Doodnauth,
Julian C. Dunkley,
Jennifer Abrams,
Samy I. McFarlane
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
american journal of medical case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2374-216X
pISSN - 2374-2151
DOI - 10.12691/ajmcr-9-1-20
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , ventricular fibrillation , sudden cardiac death , ventricular tachycardia , coronary vasospasm , sudden cardiac arrest , angina , myocardial infarction
Coronary artery vasospasms have been known to cause episodic angina pectoris, along with ST-T wave changes. In addition, vasospasm if prolonged can cause myocardial ischemia leading to malignant arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia resulting in sudden cardiac death (SCD). Treatment for this disorder can be challenging. Current data is lacking on the management of patients receiving appropriate vasodilator medications who present with Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) as a consequence of coronary artery vasospasms. We present a case of a 71-year-old man who was hospitalized due to recurrent episodes of coronary vasospasms leading to acute decompensation and VFib with subsequent resuscitation while undergoing cardiac catheterization. We also provide review of the literature and updates on the current guidelines from the American Heart Association on this potentially life-threatening disorder.