{Reference Type}: Review
{Title}: Ventricular tachycardia and acute heart failure induced by atropine in the treatment of bradycardia: A case report and literature review.
{Author}: Zhang H;Zhang M;Du Y;He J;Li J;
{Journal}: Medicine (Baltimore)
{Volume}: 102
{Issue}: 34
{Year}: 2023 Aug 25
{Factor}: 1.817
{DOI}: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034775
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Despite various advantages of laparoscopic surgical procedures, artificial pneumoperitoneum might lead to hemodynamic fluctuations including severe bradycardia and cardiac arrest. Atropine is usually proposed to treat intraoperative severe bradycardia ( < 40 beats per minute). However, atropine could induce ventricular arrhythmias, which might be life-threatening in severe case.
METHODS: Here, we reported a 41-year-old female who was diagnosed with gallbladder polyps and was scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.
METHODS: Bradycardia occurred suddenly during the operation and atropine was injected intravenously. Eventually the patient developed ventricular tachycardia and acute heart failure.
METHODS: We organized an urgent consultation and the patient was treated immediately.
RESULTS: Fortunately, the patient experienced no complications after timely diagnosis and treatment. After 6 months of follow-up, her New York Heart Association classification was I with no complications.
CONCLUSIONS: This case highlighted that the administration of atropine to treat bradycardia may lead to ventricular tachycardia and acute heart failure, and anesthesiologists should remain vigilant to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences.