Journal of Arrhythmia (Jan 2008)
Cardiac Pacing Suppressed Macroscopic T Wave Alternans in a Patient with Heart Failure Caused by Non-ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Abstract
A 67-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic renal failure who received chronic hemodialysis for 9 years admitted with pulmonary edema. Three days after admission, electrocardiogram showed transient prolongation of QT interval which was followed by macroscopic T wave alternans (TWA) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Temporary pacing from right ventricular apex suppressed TWA and VF effectively. Combined cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardioverter defibrillator device was implanted for the secondary prevention of VF. Both prolongation of QT interval and TWA disappeared for 10 days after therapy and no arrhythmic event occurred since then.
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