Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic
Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic Causes
Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation is an autosomal inherited trait caused by heterozygous mutation in cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A.
Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic Definition
Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation or V-fiB or VF, for brevity, is a term which is most frequently used to describe the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation in the intact heart (Aliot, E., Clement, J., Prystowsky, E. (2008). Fighting Sudden Cardiac Death: A World Wide Challenge, Blackwell Publishing, p.240). It is characterized by the uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles located in the heart. It usually causes cessation of blood circulation which eventually leads to death.
Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made on surface electrocardiography. In many cases electrocardiogram is non-diagnosting and electrophysiologic testing with provocation is needed (National Organization for Rare Disorder (2003). NORD Guide to Rare Disorder, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, p. 45).
Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic Symptoms and Signs
It is usually asymptomatic or does not have any obvious manifestation or symptoms. There is also no obvious triggers are known and severity frequency of events varies.
Ventricular Fibrillation, Idiopathic Treatment
Standard therapies include implantation of an implantable cardioverted defibrillator. A precodial thump can also be used to regain cardiac function. Other treatment includes administration of agents like amiodarone or lidocaine.