The automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator for a life threatening arrhythmia in a case of post-partum cardiomyopathy.
We report the development of severe life threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in a young woman shortly following her first pregnancy, who ultimately required the insertion of an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator because of the failure of conventional antiarrhythmic therapy. Although only about 7 patients have received units in the UK to date, the experience in the USA, where up to 300 per month may be implanted, suggests that they will become a more common method of treatment in cases of life threatening arrhythmias.
Bower
M
M
National Heart Hospital, London, UK.
Freeman
L J
LJ
Rickards
A F
AF
Rowland
E
E
D000328:Adult; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000150:complications*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*