Short-coupled premature ventricular contractions in a young male with sudden cardiac arrest

Abstract

Introduction: Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation secondary to short-coupled premature ventricular contractions (scPVCs) is a rare cause of sudden cardiac arrest and predominantly originates from the His-Purkinje system or right ventricular outflow tract. Case description: A 36-year-old man with prior episodes of palpitations and a normal Holter monitor evaluation as well as a family history of sudden cardiac death presented following an out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. After exclusion of other etiologies including structural, ischemic, and primary electrical disease, as well as the demonstration of scPVCs with moderator band origin, a diagnosis of scPVCs leading to sudden cardiac arrest was made. Following implantable cardioverter defibrillator and treatment of other medical concerns, he was discharged home. Conclusion: Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation is an uncommon cause of sudden cardiac arrest. The diagnosis is made after the exclusion of other etiologies and the demonstration of characteristic electrocardiogram findings.

Keywords

• short-coupled premature ventricular contractions
• cardiac arrest