Iatrogenic Myocardial Stunning: The After-Effects of Electrical Cardioversion

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.