# Iatrogenic Myocardial Stunning: The After-Effects of Electrical Cardioversion

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of severe heart dysfunction following multiple electrical cardioversion treatments, leading to cardiogenic shock.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the rare but serious complication of biventricular dysfunction due to myocardial stunning after electrical cardioversion.

## Key findings

- A patient developed cardiogenic shock and multisystem dysfunction after multiple ECV treatments.
- Severe biventricular dysfunction, though rare, can result from myocardial stunning following ECV.
- An aggressive multidisciplinary approach is crucial for managing such complications.

## Abstract

Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is generally a safe therapy for ventricular tachycardia in unstable patients, however, associated with several complications. Potential mechanisms include myocardial stunning, rapid changes in cardiac output, and stress-induced global cardiomyopathy. We report a case of cardiogenic shock with multisystem dysfunction, likely due to myocardial stunning, in a patient who received multiple ECV treatments for electrical storm. While transient atrial stunning post-ECV is well known, severe biventricular dysfunction, though rare, is possible. This case highlights the possibility of cardiogenic shock due to myocardial stunning from ECV treatment and underscores the importance of an aggressive multidisciplinary approach to management.