Ventricular tachycardia converts to sinus rhythm after administration of propofol.

ABSTRACT

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major contributor to sudden cardiac death, and pharmacologic treatment options beyond antiarrhythmics are limited. Emerging data suggest sympathetic blocking agents such as propofol are a potential management option for VT refractory to first line antiarrhythmics. Previous literature has described fixed-dose propofol boluses and continuous infusions to convert ventricular arrhythmias; however, to our knowledge, there are no reports of a weight-based dosing strategy for VT. We present the case of a patient with amiodarone-refractory VT who received a 1 mg/kg propofol bolus in preparation for cardioversion and subsequently converted to normal sinus rhythm. The patient stabilized following these interventions, transferred to a tertiary care facility, and was discharged home with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.