Open AccessSotalol: A rescue drug in the face of life-threatening refractory ventricular tachycardia
Author(s) -
Ashok Kandasamy,
Sukumar Arumugham,
Harshavardhan Krupanandha,
Bhaktavatsala Reddy
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
annals of cardiac anaesthesia/annals of cardiac anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 0974-5181
pISSN - 0971-9784
DOI - 10.4103/0971-9784.129885
Subject(s) - medicine , sotalol , amiodarone , cardiology , ventricular tachycardia , anesthesia , refractory (planetary science) , atrial fibrillation , physics , astrobiology
We describe postoperative refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) in a patient following aortic and mitral valve replacement. Following an uneventful separation from cardiopulmonary bypass with dobutamine, the patient developed recurrent VT, 4 hours into the postoperative period. The VT did not respond to standard doses of xylocard, magnesium and amiodarone. Electrolyte and acid base parameters were normal. Multiple cardioversions failed to revert back to a stable rhythm. Intra-aortic balloon pumping was instituted and overdrive right ventricular pacing was unsuccessful. Following intravenous sotalol 80 mg, the VT came under control and reverted to a nodal rhythm, which required atrial pacing for the next 8 hours. Oral sotalol therapy was continued at 40 mg daily. The VT did not recur.