TERMINATION AND SUPPRESSION OF IDIOPATHIC LEFT-VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA BY DILTIAZEM

Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia is known to be responsive to v erapamil in many cases. However, the role of other calcium-channel blo ckers, such as diltiazem, in treating this specific type of ventricula r tachycardia is unknown. We report a case of idiopathic left ventricu lar tachycardia in a patient with a structurally normal heart, which w as terminated and suppressed in the electrophysiology laboratory by a single dose of diltiazem intravenously, and was subsequently suppresse d long-term with sustained-release diltiazem. Our finding suggests tha t idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia may be managed effectively w ith diltiazem in both the acute and chronic settings.