Orage rythmique chez les patients porteurs de défibrillateurs automatiques implantables : une expérience monocentrique

Abstract

BackgroundElectrical storms (ES) are serious cardiac emergencies associated with increased short-term mortality. The true incidence of ES in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is still difficult to estimate because of the heterogeneous definition. The clinical presentation is variable and its management is multidisciplinary. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiological profile and evolution of a group of patients implanted with an ICD who had electrical storms detected by a home monitoring system. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective observational study, which included 14 patients who were implanted with ICDs, for primary or secondary prevention between 2008 and 2021. All of them were followed by home monitoring. All these patients had an ES detected by home monitoring and authenticated by ECG. ResultsThe mean age of the patients at the time of onset of the electrical storm was 75.4 ± 14.5 years, with extremes ranging from 49 to 101 years. Most of patients (n = 11) were male. The majority of them had underlying ischaemic cardiomyopathy (n = 12). In a third of cases (n = 5) patients were implanted for secondary prevention. The electrical storm was related to recurrent episodes of VT. No cases of VF were detected. Syncope was the most frequent clinical presentation (four patients). Nine patients received internal shocks, with an average of four shocks per patient. The triggering factor was myocardial ischaemia in four cases. Majority of patients were managed in the cardiac intensive care unit. Two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. In addition to anti-arrhythmic treatment with amiodarone and beta blockers. Nine patients underwent ablation of ventricular tachycardia focus. Mortality was high (in half of the cases) mainly due to a cardiogenic shock. ConclusionThis study shows that OR remain rare, but are still associated with high mortality. Home monitoring makes it possible to manage them earlier.