Case of Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia (ILVT)

• Main Authors: Nadira Hamid MB BCh(Hons), MRCP(Ireland), MRCP(UK), Stanley Chia MB BCh (Hons), FRCP(Edin)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2011-12-01
• Series: Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/201010581102000409

Introduction: The objective of this case report is to illustrate a case of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT). It is important to distinguish key features to differentiate ILVT from other types of ventricular tachycardias. Clinical picture: A 33-year-old male presented with palpitations. Clinical examination was unremarkable, except a heart rate of 170 beats/min. ECG showed a right bundle branch morphology, left superior frontal plane and a relatively narrow QRS duration. A diagnosis of ILVT was made. Treatment: Intravenous verapamil was given and the ILVT was terminated. Conclusion: ILVT differs from other types of VT, such as right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), in terms of mechanisms, site of origin and management. Overall, ILVT has a good prognosis, compared to VTs seen in ischaemic cardiomyopathy.