Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is diagnosed when known causes of ventricular fibrillation have been excluded.
Features of IVF
(1) The patient has been resuscitated after a cardiac arrest.
(2) There is documentation of ventricular fibrillation.
(3) Known causes of ventricular fibrillation (cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, metabolic disorder, toxic exposure) have been excluded.
Some patients with IVF may have a genetic disorder which can be identified by genetic testing. This is important to pursue if other family members have evidence of sudden death or ventricular fibrillation.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is recommended for patients with IVF.
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