Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia: Diagnosis and management

Abstract

Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an uncommon form of VT that is seen in patients without structural heart disease. It is commonly seen in young patients and usually has a benign course. Recent studies have delineated the mechanisms and anatomical locations of this form of VT. Recognition of various forms of idiopathic VT based on characteristic QRS morphology from the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. The understanding of the mechanisms of idiopathic VT has led to the use of specific antiarrhythmic drugs targeting particular arrhythmias. Recent technological advances in the field of mapping and catheter ablation have led to a suitable alternative to drug therapy with a very high cure rate. This review describes the clinical features, ECG recognition, and management of idiopathic monomorphic VT.