Management of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Abstract

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a primary electrical heart disease characterized by the development of polymorphic (including bidirectional) ventricular tachycardia in response to adrenergic stimulation. The leading clinical sign of CPVT is syncope provoked by physical or emotional stress, or adrenergic drugs administration. This disease is characterized by high mortality if not treated. The main treatment approach for CPVT is drug therapy with beta-blockers. Recently, however, there are more and more works stating that beta-blockers have lack of efficacy. Combination therapy with the antiarrhythmic drug of the IC class is one of the approaches before implementing the interventional treatment methods in several patients. Interventional methods include cardioverter defibrillator implantation and left side sympathectomy. This paper presents the modern view on the efficacy, safety, and indications for every management method for patients with CPVT.

Keywords

• catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
• atenolol
• propafenone
• primary channelopathy
• sudden cardiac death
• left side sympathectomy
• implantable cardioverter defibrillator