Recurrent ventricular fibrillation in a marathon runner during exercise testing.

Abstract

We report a case of a marathon runner who presented with chest tightness, ST-segment depression, and ventricular fibrillation following treadmill exercise testing. At cardiac catheterization, the patient was found to have an isolated lesion in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery that was hemodynamically insignificant by accepted angiographic and coronary flow reserve standards. Ventricular fibrillation was thought to be idiopathic, and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was placed. Chest pain and ST-segment depression followed by ventricular fibrillation was reproduced during follow-up treadmill testing, prompting reconsideration of the original diagnostic hypothesis. A coronary stent was deployed in the LAD artery. The patient has been asymptomatic and arrhythmia free during follow-up treadmill testing and recreational running.