Importance of exercise stress testing in evaluation of unexplained cardiac arrest survivor

BACKGROUND: In sudden cardiac arrest survivors without an immediately identifiable cause, additional extensive yet individualised testing is required. METHODS: We describe 3 survivors of sudden cardiac arrest in whom exercise stress testing was not performed during the initial hospital admission. RESULTS: All 3 patients were incorrectly diagnosed with long QT syndrome based on temporary sudden cardiac arrest–related heart rate–corrected QT interval prolongation, and exercise stress testing was not performed during the initial work-up. When they were subjected to exercise stress testing during follow-up, a delayed diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) was made. As a result, these patients were initially managed inappropriately, and their family members were initially not screened for CPVT. CONCLUSION: In sudden cardiac arrest survivors without an immediately identifiable cause, omission of exercise stress testing or erroneous interpretation of the results can lead to a delayed or missed diagnosis of CPVT, which may have considerable implications for survivors and their family.