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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-08-2006 | Short communication

Impact of sympathetic innervation on recurrent life-threatening arrhythmias in the follow-up of patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation

Authors: Matthias Paul, Michael Schäfers, Peter Kies, Tayfun Acil, Klaus Schäfers, Günter Breithardt, Otmar Schober, Thomas Wichter

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 8/2006

Abstract

Purpose

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is defined as VF in the absence of any identifiable structural or functional cardiac disease. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. This study was performed to investigate the potential impact of sympathetic dysfunction, assessed by ¹²³I-meta-iodo-benzylguanidine scintigraphy (¹²³I-MIBG SPECT), on the long-term prognosis of patients with IVF.

Methods

¹²³I-MIBG SPECT was performed in 20 patients (mean age 37±13 years) with IVF. Mean follow-up of patients after study entry was 7.2±1.5 years (range 4.9–10.5 years). Ten patients (five men, five women; mean age 43±12 years; p=NS versus study group) with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland served as an age-matched control group.

Results

Abnormal ¹²³I-MIBG uptake was observed in 13 patients (65%). During follow-up, 18 episodes of VF/fast polymorphic ventricular tachycardias occurred in four IVF patients with abnormal ¹²³I-MIBG uptake whereas only two episodes of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (and no VF) occurred in a single IVF patient with normal ¹²³I-MIBG uptake.

Conclusion

Impairment of sympathetic innervation may indicate a higher risk of future recurrent episodes of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with IVF. Studies in larger cohorts are required to validate the significance of ¹²³I-MIBG SPECT during the long-term follow-up of these patients.

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Title: Impact of sympathetic innervation on recurrent life-threatening arrhythmias in the follow-up of patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Matthias Paul
Michael Schäfers
Peter Kies
Tayfun Acil
Klaus Schäfers
Günter Breithardt
Otmar Schober
Thomas Wichter
Publication date: 01-08-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 8/2006
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-005-0061-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Impact of sympathetic innervation on recurrent life-threatening arrhythmias in the follow-up of patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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