PAROXYSMAL VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA WITH ACUTE LEFT VENTRICULAR FAILURE IN A PATIENT WITH NO EVIDENCE OF ORGANIC HEART DISEASE

Abstract

A case is presented of paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia with acute left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema, occurring in a young soldier, 18 yrs. of age, with no demonstrable organic heart disease. The pulmonary edema subsided after removal of 400 ml. of blood by phlebotomy, and the admn. of morphine sulfate (Ye grain subcut.) and digifoliu (5 ampules intraven.). The arrhythmia disappeared and a regular sinus rhythm was restored after the oral admn. of 13 grains of quinidine sulfate. Within 24 hrs. the patient made a complete recovery and all physical and laboratory findings were negative for any demonstrable form of organic heart disease.