Stellate ganglion block as rescue therapy in drug-resistant electrical storm

Abstract

Electrical storm or incessant ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening condition and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Often patients respond to traditional anti-arrhythmia treatment. However, some patients are resistant to the drug therapy and thus, pose huge challenges in effective management. Though stellate ganglion block has been found to be effective in treating patients with electrical storm, it is still under-utilized. In this case report, we successfully managed to revert the drug-resistant arrhythmia to sinus rhythm after ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block. Earlier utilization of the block can possibly provide effective treatment in drug-resistant ventricular arrhythmias and prevent morbidity and mortality.

Keywords

• electrical storm
• stellate ganglion block
• ultrasound
• ventricular tachycardia