Enhanced accessory pathway conduction following intravenous amiodarone in atrial fibrillation. A case report.
We observed a dangerous increase of ventricular rate following the intravenous administration of amiodarone in a patient with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response associated with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The mechanism of enhanced accessory pathway conduction remains speculative. A possible explanation for the shortened antegrade effective refractory period of the accessory pathway is afforded by the hypotensive action of amiodarone or its dissolvent which might trigger beta-adrenergic reflexes. Intravenous amiodarone should be used with caution in patients with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response via an accessory pathway.
D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014927:Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome / Q000150:complications
D000638:Amiodarone