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Use of Levosimendan for Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock Associated With Electrical Storm
- Marco Grazi, MD;
- Gianfranco Lauri, MD;
- Corrado Carbucicchio, MD; and
- Giancarlo Marenzi, MD
- From Centro Cardiologico Monzino, University of Milan, Milan 20138, Italy.
Background: Management of recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) is troublesome (1). Vasopressors and inotropic agents are often needed in these patients to maintain blood pressure, but the drugs can induce atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and lead to further myocardial injury and increased mortality (2).
Objective: To report 2 cases of recurrent VT/VF, complicated by cardiogenic shock, that resolved after intravenous administration of levosimendan.
Case Report: Two men (age 48 and 62 years) with severe idiopathic and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fractions of 0.12 and 0.18, respectively) and biventricular ICDs were admitted to the cardiac care …
