Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) – Treatment
Cardiovascular
Context
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia provoked ventricular tachycardia (also called catecholamine provoked ventricular tachycardia/CPVT) is an arrhythmia triggered by physical activity or emotional stress.
- CPVT typically presents in childhood or adolescence (mean age 7-9 years).
- May have a family history of juvenile stress-induced syncope.
- May have a family history of sudden cardiac death.
- Episodes of ventricular tachycardia can cause dizziness, syncope, and light-headedness.
- If CPVT is not treated, cardiac arrest and death can occur.
- Ventricular arrhythmias reproducible on exercise stress testing.
- Electrocardiographic Features
- Bidirectional VT
- Polymorphic VT
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Differential diagnosis includes severe digoxin (foxglove) toxicity.
Recommended Treatment
Initial Treatment
- May need cardioversion/defibrillation if unstable but often converts spontaneously.
- First-line treatment for patients with CPVT is a long-acting, nonselective beta blocker such as nadolol (1-2 mg/kg).
- Nadolol is the preferred beta blocker because it has a longer duration of action.
- Propranolol can be used for acute suppression of recurrent polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Long-Term Treatment
- Placement of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) is recommended for patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia, polymorphic ventricular, or ventricular fibrillation in spite of receiving beta blocker therapy.
- All patients with CPVT should avoid competitive sports and strenuous exercise.
- Flecainide is recommended for patients taking beta blockers with an ICD who continue to experience ventricular arrhythmias.
Related Information
Reference List
Relevant Resources
RELEVANT RESEARCH IN BC
Cardiovascular EmergenciesRESOURCE AUTHOR(S)
DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this document is to provide health care professionals with key facts and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the emergency department. This summary was produced by Emergency Care BC (formerly the BC Emergency Medicine Network) and uses the best available knowledge at the time of publication. However, healthcare professionals should continue to use their own judgment and take into consideration context, resources and other relevant factors. Emergency Care BC is not liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use of this document including loss or damages arising from any claims made by a third party. Emergency Care BC also assumes no responsibility or liability for changes made to this document without its consent.
Last Updated May 04, 2021
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