Choc électrique externe à Abidjan : bilan de dix ans de pratique à l'Institut de Cardiologie d'Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Direct current cardioversion is effective in arrhythmias' termination. Few is known about its use in our practice. This work aims to report its outcomes over a ten-year period in Abidjan.

Method: One thousand, three hundred and ninety one charts of arrhythmic patients were reviewed.

Results: Cardioversion was attempted in 102 patients. One hundred and eighty one shocks were delivered with a mean energy of 262, 1 joules. Success occurred in 84 patients (82,3%). Cardioversion failed in 18 patients mostly in atrial fibrillation. Eight serious complications (7,8%) occurred including 1 sinus node dysfunction, 1 pulmonary oedema, 1 metrorrhagia, 2 stroke, 1 pulmonary embolism. Two patients with ventricular tachycardia died of end-stage heart failure and aftermath of a mitral valve surgery.

Conclusion: Direct current cardioversion is effective and safe in our practice. Complications are predominantly due to the medical environment such as antiarrhythmic drugs use or clinical conditions.

Keywords: Afrique subsaharienne; Subsaharan Africa; arrhythmias; arythmies; cardioversion électrique externe; complications; direct current cardioversion.