A Paradoxical Increase in Ventricular Arrhythmia After a Left Stellate Ganglion Block: A Case Report

Ultrasound-guided left-sided or bilateral stellate ganglion block (SGB) has emerged as an effective bedside intervention for malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA) refractory to conventional therapies, with demonstrated safety and efficacy in multiple studies. We report a medically complex patient with presumed genotype-negative Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) who experienced a sudden, transient increase in arrhythmic events shortly after an uncomplicated left-sided ultrasound-guided SGB. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of increased VA burden following left-sided SGB, highlighting the potential for paradoxical effects and the need for cautious application in patients with comorbidities.

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Publication Details

Journal
A&A Practice
Published
2026-05-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1213/xaa.0000000000002204
Primary Topic
Pain Management and Treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Paradoxical Increase in Ventricular Arrhythmia After a Left Stellate Ganglion Block: A Case Report

Amir L. Butt, Sharon Bouvette, Aimee Pak
A&A Practice
Pain Management and Treatment
article

A Paradoxical Increase in Ventricular Arrhythmia After a Left Stellate Ganglion Block: A Case Report

Amir L. Butt, Sharon Bouvette, Aimee Pak
article en

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided left-sided or bilateral stellate ganglion block (SGB) has emerged as an effective bedside intervention for malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA) refractory to conventional therapies, with demonstrated safety and efficacy in multiple studies. We report a medically complex patient with presumed genotype-negative Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) who experienced a sudden, transient increase in arrhythmic events shortly after an uncomplicated left-sided ultrasound-guided SGB. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of increased VA burden following left-sided SGB, highlighting the potential for paradoxical effects and the need for cautious application in patients with comorbidities.

A&A PracticeVol. 20(5)
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Pain Management and Treatment
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