An unusual cause of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: Acute cervical
cord injury.
Abstract
Cardiovascular disturbances are the leading causes of morbidity and
mortality in patients of spinal cord particularly cervical cord injury
accounting for approximately 30% of deaths. Most common cardiovascular
dysfunctions are sinus bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac arrest,
supraventricular tachycardia and all these occurs due to sympathetic
withdrawal and unopposed vagal action. Here we are reporting a case of
acute cervical cord injury with neurogenic shock in a 25 year young
patient who developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, which
degenerated to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. We described
all possible mechanisms of development this arrythmia and its
management.