Stellate ganglion block in the management of arrhythmic storm in Chagas cardimyopathy




Carolina I. Vega-Cuéllar, Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular y Torácico de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Juan Hurtado, Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular y Torácico de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
José Aguirre, Servicio de Electrofisiología. Instituto Cardiovascular y Torácico de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Juan de Dios-González, Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular y Torácico de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá


Chagas cardiomyopathy is an arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy characterized by atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and a wide presentation of abnormalities in the conduction system, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Sudden death is the main cause of mortality in patients with Chagas disease (55-60%). The clinical case presents a 56-year-old male with history of stage D Chagas cardiomyopathy, with a history of chest pain associated with sustained ventricular tachycardia refractory to amiodarone. Sympathetic neuromodulation was performed by unilateral blockade of the stellate ganglion, with recovery to sinusal rhythm.



Keywords: Chagas cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmic storm. Stellate ganglion. Ventricular tachycardia. Amiodarone.