Recurrent ventricular fibrillation secondary to aortic valve tumor.

The case of a patient with recurrent ventricular fibrillation secondary to an aortic tumor is reported. Ventricular fibrillation occurs secondary to ischemia, arrhythmia, or congenital disease, or it may be an idiopathic event. Irreversible and recurrent situations require placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). A patient with recurrent syncope secondary to documented ventricular fibrillation without a clear mechanism and a negative electrophysiologic study underwent ICD placement. A cardiac papillary fibroelastoma at the aortic valve subsequently was found. Cardiac tumors in the aortic valve can obstruct the coronary arteries, secondarily causing ischemia and ventricular fibrillation. Such a mechanism must be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden death.