Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy: A potentially reversible cause of refractory cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background: The most severe form of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy in adults- refractory cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support-has rarely been reported.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the management of critically ill patients admitted for acute, nonischemic, or worsening of previously known cardiac dysfunction and recent-onset supraventricular arrhythmia who developed refractory cardiogenic shock requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Results: Between 2004 and 2018, 35 patients received VA-ECMO for acute, nonischemic cardiogenic shock and recent supraventricular arrhythmia (77% atrial fibrillation [AF]). Cardiogenic shock was the first disease manifestation in 21 patients (60%). Characteristics at ECMO implantation [median (interquartile range)] were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score 10 (7-13); inotrope score 29 (11-80); left ventricular ejection (LVEF) fraction 10% (10%-15%); and lactate level 8 (4-11) mmol/L. For 12 patients, amiodarone and/or electric cardioversion successfully reduced arrhythmia, improved LVEF, and enabled weaning off VA-ECMO; 11 had long-term survival without transplantation or long-term assist device. Eight patients experiencing arrhythmia-reduction failure underwent ablation procedures (7 atrioventricular node [AVN] with pacing, 1 atrial tachycardia) and were weaned off VA-ECMO; 7 survived. Of the remaining 15 patients without arrhythmia reduction or ablation, only the 6 bridged to heart transplantation or left ventricular (LV) assist device survived.

Conclusion: Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy, mainly AF-related, is an underrecognized cause of refractory cardiogenic shock and should be considered in patients with nonischemic cardiogenic shock and recent-onset supraventricular arrhythmia. VA-ECMO support allowed safe arrhythmia reduction or rate control by AVN ablation while awaiting recovery, even among those with severe LV dilation.