A case of dilated cardiomyopathy with benefical effect of oral β-adrnergic blockade

A 68-year-old women was admitted to our hospital because of the frewuent attacks of fainting. The electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation and left ventricular hypertrophy. Observation with telemetry and tape recording of electrocardiogram revealed episordes on ventricular tachycerdia. Intravenous lidocain (2mg/min) and mexiletine (0.04mg/kg/min) prevented the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia. Then she was controlled by therapy of oral mexiletine and disopyramide. She was diagnosed as having dilated carciomyopathy on the basis of cardiac catheterization and cardiac muscle biopsy. Treatment with metprolol was started because these antiarrythmic drug could not terminate the ventricular tachycardia. After seven weeks, the electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm. Observation with telemetry and recording of electrocardiogram failed to reveal episordes of ventricular tachycardia. Thus, administration of β-blocker agent was effective and well tolerated adjunct therapy in patient with a history of ventricular arrhythmia in dilated cardiomypathy.