06-10-2007, 04:35 PM
A 69-year-old woman with a history of severe asthma is brought to the emergency department by her daughter because of severe lightheadedness. The patient also complains of worsening shortness of breath and progressive fatigue over the last year. For the last three months, the patient is able to walk only 2 to 3 blocks before developing a profound shortness of breath. She recently started using three pillows for sleep during the night. She denies chest pain and diaphoresis. The patient's daughter states that three weeks ago, her mother had a syncopal episode that lasted for two minutes on her way to the supermarket. At that time, she did not seek medical attention. The patient's current medications include lisinopril, digoxin, and furosemide.
In the emergency room, her heart rate is 102/min, blood pressure is 115/70 mm Hg, and respiratory rate is 22/min. Physical examination reveals jugulovenous distension and bibasilar crackles. Heart auscultation demonstrates a diminished S1, a loud P2, and an S3 gallop. There is a 1+ pitting edema of both extremities. EKG shows normal sinus rhythm with several multifocal premature contractions (PVCs) and a four-beat run of ventricular tachycardia (VT) at a rate of 128/min. The echocardiogram reveals an ejection fraction below 25% and no evidence of aortic stenosis. The patient is admitted to the telemetry unit, and recordings show PVCs and 12 runs of nonsustained VT of 4 to 18 beats in duration during the first day.
Which of the following is the most appropriate management at this time?
(A) Increase the dose of digoxin
(B) Start metoprolol
© Start amiodarone
(D) Cardiac catheterization
(E) Perform electrophysiologic study
In the emergency room, her heart rate is 102/min, blood pressure is 115/70 mm Hg, and respiratory rate is 22/min. Physical examination reveals jugulovenous distension and bibasilar crackles. Heart auscultation demonstrates a diminished S1, a loud P2, and an S3 gallop. There is a 1+ pitting edema of both extremities. EKG shows normal sinus rhythm with several multifocal premature contractions (PVCs) and a four-beat run of ventricular tachycardia (VT) at a rate of 128/min. The echocardiogram reveals an ejection fraction below 25% and no evidence of aortic stenosis. The patient is admitted to the telemetry unit, and recordings show PVCs and 12 runs of nonsustained VT of 4 to 18 beats in duration during the first day.
Which of the following is the most appropriate management at this time?
(A) Increase the dose of digoxin
(B) Start metoprolol
© Start amiodarone
(D) Cardiac catheterization
(E) Perform electrophysiologic study