Pharmacological treatment of short-coupled idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: A review

Abstract

Short-coupled idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a subtype of IVF in which episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation are initiated by short-coupled premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Our understanding of the pathophysiology is evolving, with evidence suggesting that these malignant PVCs originate from the Purkinje system. In most cases, the genetic underpinning has not been identified. Whereas the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is uncontroversial, the choice of pharmacological treatment is the subject of discussion. In this review, we summarize the available knowledge on pharmacological therapy in short-coupled IVF and provide our recommendations for management of patients with this syndrome.