The "incidental" episode of ventricular fibrillation: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2007 Aug 30:1:72. doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-1-72.

Abstract

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VF) carry important prognostic implications, especially in the post myocardial infarction period. However, artifact on the electrocardiographic tracing can mimic VF particularly on routinely recorded rhythm strips in hospitals. Such misinterpretation can lead to expensive (and potentially risky) diagnostic and therapeutic steps. We report on such a case and highlight the need for careful inspection of the tracing.