Work

Life-threatening arrhythmias in children with elevated intracranial pressure: a case series and literature review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia, are rare but serious complications of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in children. These arrhythmias are thought to result from brainstem-mediated autonomic dysfunction.Case Report: We describe five pediatric patients (aged 7 months to 11 years) who developed malignant arrhythmias—Premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, or supraventricular tachycardia in the context of elevated ICP due to various neurological conditions, including Arnold-Chiari malformation, autoimmune encephalitis, and acute necrotizing encephalopathy. All patients demonstrated elevated ICP (opening pressure, 32–80 mmHg), abnormal neuroimaging or transcranial doppler/optic nerve sheath diameter findings, and autonomic instability. Arrhythmias occurred during ICP surgery and required antiarrhythmic therapy in four cases. Three children recovered fully, whereas two succumbed to refractory ICP and brainstem failure.Conclusion: This series emphasizes that life-threatening arrhythmias may reflect uncontrolled ICP and brainstem compromise. Early recognition, continuous neuromonitoring, and aggressive ICP-directed therapy are critical for achieving favorable outcomes.

Source: Journal of Neurocritical Care

DOI: 10.18700/jnc.250022

Authors: Siddannagoud Salotagi, Atul Jindal, Manas Ranjan Sahoo, Shubham Verma, Santosh Navi

Institutions: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur, All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7116737796