Patient
Male implanted with a single-chamber defibrillator (Evera XT VR) for primary prevention of severe dilated cardiomyopathy.
Graph and trace
- What diagnosis is suggested by the interval plot?
The episode was classified as VT-Mon by the device (1); the plot shows a regular tachycardia
in the monitor zone, terminating spontaneously after more than 7 minutes (2) - What is your diagnosis?
The EGM showed probable VT in the monitor zone (cycles classified as VS) with spontaneous
reversion.
Take home message
- This trace shows a VT episode recorded in the monitor zone; in a monitor zone,
no therapy is programmed. - Latest international recommendations favour programming a single VF zone
for primary prevention with rates > 188 bpm; the aim is to avoid inappropriate
therapies and focus on treatment of the most serious, life-threatening arrhyth
mias. - It may also be useful to programme a monitor zone to check for the occurence
of slower arrhythmias that may warrant treatment.