Contributor: Gretchen Hinson, MD

Educational Pearls:

Three episodes of ventricular tachycardia within 24 hours or two episodes back-to-back
Treat with IV amiodarone and IV beta-blockers initially as well as IV lidocaine
Correct underlying causes:
- IV magnesium for QT prolongation
- Replete potassium in hypokalemia
- Urgent revascularization in ischemia
For refractory vtach, urgent radiofrequency ablation or stellate ganglion block can be done
Last resort is placing on the patient on ECMO

References

Muser D, Santangeli P, Liang JJ. Management of ventricular tachycardia storm in patients with structural heart disease. World J Cardiol. 2017;9(6):521-530. doi:10.4330/wjc.v9.i6.521

Eifling M, Razavi M, Massumi A. The evaluation and management of electrical storm. Tex Heart Inst J. 2011;38(2):111-121.

Summarized by John Spartz, MS3

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