Cease the storm- A case report of successful stellate ganglion block in terminating refractory electrical storm

An electrical storm also known as a ventricular tachycardia storm (VT storm) tends to recur and form a vicious cycle, eventually leading to a refractory electrical storm, refractory to electrical and pharmacological cardioversion. The treatment of refractory VT storm is challenging. Here we discuss the case of a middle-aged gentleman who presented to our emergency department 6 months apart with a refractory VT storm. When all the anti-arrhythmic agents and multiple cardioversion attempts failed in terminating the storm, we attempted ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block. On both occasions, it successfully terminated the storm. Hence emergency physicians need to be aware of the right technique and timing of stellate ganglion block and ultrasound-guided needle tracking, as it can be a final rescue technique in treating refractory electrical storm in the emergency department.