Implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a bridge to recovery in an infant with cardiac rhabdomyoma

Eur J Pediatr. 2009 Jul;168(7):863-6. doi: 10.1007/s00431-008-0837-4. Epub 2008 Sep 25.

Abstract

Multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas in an infant presented with recurrent life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias refractory to medical treatment and necessitating the placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The device functioned effectively as a bridge to recovery during a 2-year follow-up period, when the tumor showed spontaneous regression, along with an almost complete resolution of the ventricular arrhythmias. We conclude that childhood cardiac rhabdomyomas causing severe drug-refractory ventricular arrhythmias can be managed by ICD therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / surgery*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Neoplasms / complications*
  • Heart Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Prognosis
  • Rhabdomyoma / complications*
  • Rhabdomyoma / physiopathology
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Treatment Outcome