PD290 - ELECTRICAL STORM: A LETHAL ARRHYTHMIC EMERGENCY

PD290

ELECTRICAL STORM: A LETHAL ARRHYTHMIC EMERGENCY

A. Spiljak^1,2,*

¹Institute for Healthcare of Transportation Employees Sarajevo, ²Faculty of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Rationale: Electrical storm is a life-threatening cardiac emergency defined by recurrent ventricular arrhythmias within a short period. Despite advances in critical care and electrophysiology, it remains associated with high mortality and requires rapid recognition and aggressive management.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, including English-language articles published within the last five years. The search focused on precipitating factors, diagnostic considerations, and acute management strategies for electrical storm in critically ill patients, with emphasis on intensive care interventions.

Results: Electrical storm is commonly associated with structural heart disease, acute ischemia, and electrolyte disturbances. Management often requires a multimodal approach, including antiarrhythmic therapy, deep sedation, autonomic modulation, and mechanical circulatory support. Delayed or inadequate treatment significantly worsens prognosis.

Conclusion: Electrical storm is a medical emergency with devastating consequences if not promptly treated. Early recognition and aggressive multidisciplinary management are essential to improve survival in critical care settings.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared