The "incidental" episode of ventricular fibrillation: a case report.
Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VF) carry important prognostic implications, especially in the post myocardial infarction period. However, artifact on the electrocardiographic tracing can mimic VF particularly on routinely recorded rhythm strips in hospitals. Such misinterpretation can lead to expensive (and potentially risky) diagnostic and therapeutic steps. We report on such a case and highlight the need for careful inspection of the tracing.
Jafary
Fahim H
FH
Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. jafary@pobox.com.