Short-Coupled Ventricular Fibrillation

Abstract

Short-coupled ventricular fibrillation (SCVF) is a distinct phenotype among individuals with unexplained cardiac arrest accounting for 7% to 14% of cases of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF). VF is typically initiated by a trigger premature ventricular contraction with a short-coupling interval of less than 350 milliseconds. In the absence of specific electrocardiographic features or provocative tests, the diagnosis remains challenging and requires documentation of VF onset. Most cases are diagnosed during follow-up at the time of VF recurrence. SCVF is characterized by a high risk of VF recurrence. Insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and quinidine are the keystones of SCVF management.

Keywords: Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation; Premature ventricular contraction; Short-coupled ventricular fibrillation; Unexplained cardiac arrest.