Quinidine Versus Verapamil in Short-coupled Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation

Short-coupled idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a rare subtype of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation that is characterized by ventricular fibrillation (VF) or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) initiated by a short-coupled premature ventricular contraction (PVC). Although patients are protected from sudden cardiac death by an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), additional antiarrhythmic drug therapy is indispensable as recurrent ICD shocks are not uncommon and can negatively affect quality of life. Verapamil and quinidine have been suggested as effective antiarrhythmic drugs, but at present it is unknown whether these drugs reduce the incidence of arrhythmic events. This pilot study will provide insight into the advisability and feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and provide data needed to determine the most appropriate design and the sample size.