Paroxysmal Ventricular Fibrillation

Since ventricular fibrillation is practically always a terminal event, occurring just before clinical death, this case is of interest because of (1) the frequent attacks followed by recovery, (2) the effect of therapy and (3) an unusual electrocardiogram, which recorded one attack that lasted 120 seconds. T. C., a white man, aged 68, admitted to the Germantown Hospital, May 20, 1935, complained of repeated attacks of unconsciousness. These had begun only three days before, although he had had occasional vertigo and increasing dyspnea for the past year. The past medical history was negative. Physical examination was negative except for moderate generalized arteriosclerosis. Cardiac examination showed slight enlargement to the left. The heart sounds indicated poor muscular quality. A soft systolic murmur was heard at the apex. The blood pressure was 190-200 systolic, 100 diastolic. The heart rate was from 34 to 40 with frequent premature contraction. There were no signs of congestive failure.