Survival following recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia in a low-resource setting: Challenges of management

Shogade TT; Bassey EA; Udosen AU; Ekuma IA; Bassey AE; Akpabio AA; Umoh IO; Sogade FO

doi:10.61386/imj.v16i2.324

Authors

Shogade TT Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Bassey EA Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Udosen AU Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Ekuma IA Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Bassey AE Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Akpabio AA Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Umoh IO Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Sogade FO Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants & Research Institute, 639 Hemlock Street, Macon, GA 31201

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v16i2.324

Keywords:

Ventricular tachycardia, electrocardiogram, defibrillator, ischemic heart disease

Abstract

Sustained ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening emergency contributing to cardiac mortality worldwide. Antiarrhythmic medications, Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and catheter ablation are the cornerstones for its management. Unfortunately, they are not accessible and/or affordable to patients seen in our setting.

42year old obese, retroviral positive, known ischemic heart disease patient, was admitted twice due to recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and successfully cardioverted with amiodarone infusion and automated external defibrillator respectively, He could not have coronary angiography and electrophysiology studies done due to unavailability and cost. Optimal management of ventricular tachycardia continues to be a challenge for cardiologists in developing countries.