IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR AS THERAPEUTIC OPTION FOR SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH SECONDARY TO SEVERE CORONARY VASOSPASM

We report a case of a patient with angina at rest followed by sudden c ardiac death secondary to ventricular fibrillation. Cardiac catheteriz ation did not show significant coronary stenosis but after an acetylch oline test, a severe coronary spasm was induced. Despite intensive med ical therapy, vasospasm was not prevented. Finally, the patient receiv ed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to avoid the risk o f sudden cardiac death. Ln our opinion, ICD in addition to medical the rapy may be useful in patients with sudden cardiac death secondary to coronary vasospasm (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.