Electrical Storm
A medical emergency characterized by recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring multiple interventions. Defined as three or more episodes within 24 hours.
Full Definition
Electrical storm represents a life-threatening emergency characterized by recurrent, sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurring within a short time period, typically defined as three or more separate episodes requiring termination within 24 hours. This condition may manifest as repeated ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or appropriate ICD shocks for ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical storm is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, often requiring aggressive medical management, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, sedation, and potentially emergency catheter ablation. The underlying triggers may include acute ischemia, electrolyte abnormalities, drug toxicity, or progression of underlying cardiomyopathy. Management focuses on arrhythmia suppression, hemodynamic support, and addressing precipitating factors. Emergency ablation may be considered when medical therapy fails to control the arrhythmic episodes.
Usage
Usage note: Medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Also called VT storm in clinical practice.
In Context
- "The patient presented with electrical storm requiring emergency catheter ablation." — emergency consultation
- "Electrical storm was successfully terminated following substrate modification ablation." — procedural outcome