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Ventricular arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic therapy and thyroidal illness in advanced heart failure: a case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Ventricular arrhythmias are common and can modify the risk profile in patients with advanced heart failure. Guideline-directed medical therapy as well as arrhythmia control are warranted to optimize outcomes and prevent sudden cardiac death. Antiarrhythmic therapy may result in undesired toxicities which can further complicate management. We present a case of an advanced heart failure patient with recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation that was refractory to guideline-directed medical therapy and resulted in him being considered for advanced heart failure therapies. We describe the clinical course of antiarrhythmic therapy and the resultant complication of clinically significant thyroid dysfunction. We also summarize our review of the literature regarding the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in advanced heart failure and the management of antiarrhythmic therapy-induced thyroid dysfunction.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

    Fatima Alsalama

  2. Department of Pharmacy Services, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, PO Box 112412, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Salma Alzaabi & Bassam Atallah

  3. Department of Endocrinology, Medical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Cynthia Salloum

  4. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon

    Marilyne Abi Younes

  5. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Heart and Vascular Institute, Al Maryah Island, PO Box 112412, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Feras Bader & Hussam Ghalib

  6. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Feras Bader & Bassam Atallah

Authors
  1. Fatima Alsalama
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  2. Salma Alzaabi
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  4. Marilyne Abi Younes
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  6. Hussam Ghalib
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Correspondence to Bassam Atallah.

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Alsalama, F., Alzaabi, S., Salloum, C. et al. Ventricular arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic therapy and thyroidal illness in advanced heart failure: a case report and review of the literature. Drugs Ther Perspect 39, 147–155 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-023-00985-3

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