Cardiac transplantation in a patient with emotionally triggered implantable cardioverter defibrillator storms.
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be responsible for psychological disorders especially among patients experiencing multiple shocks. An associated hyperadrenergic state (e.g., anger, anxiety) may trigger malignant ventricular arrhythmias repeatedly treated by ICD shocks, entertaining a "vicious circle" often difficult to interrupt. Despite aggressive cardiac and psychological therapeutic efforts, this condition may be refractory, finally leading to heart transplantation, as described in this case report.
Parsai
Chirine
C
Cardiology Center, University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Bonvini
Robert F
RF
Schnetzler
Bruno
B
Sunthorn
Henri
H
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000150:complications; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004644:Emotions; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000378:metabolism; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000150:complications; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D000638:Amiodarone