A Decade of Progress in Therapy of Adams-Stokes Disease

Abstract

Isopropylarterenol is the most effective drug for treatment of acute syncopal attacks of Adams-Stokes disease and prevention of recurrent attacks. When syncope does not resolve quickly, closed-chest cardiac massage can be applied effectively whether the arrhythmia is due to ventricular arrest or fibrillation, affording time to determine the mechanism and organize appropriate therapy.

Permanent electric pacemaking is now feasible, either with a portable pacemaker connected to an electrode catheter in contact with the endocardium of the right ventricle or with a subcutaneously implanted pacemaker connected to electrodes placed in the left ventricular myocardium.