Reply to the Editor —Mexiletine in Myotonic Dystrophy: Beware of Ventricular Arrhythmias!

We thank Ballesteros et  al for their interest on our article on treatment with mexiletine of patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).1 Our study results demonstrated the safety of the use of mexiletine, which was not associated with significant electrocardiogram modification or bradyarrhythmic complications. The pr oblem raised by Ballesteros et al that in patients with DM1 sudden death from tachyarrhythmias may occur despite pacemaker implantation goes beyond the objective of our study.2 The authors hypothesize that a subclinical infra-Hisian conduction impairment related to mexiletine might increase the ris k of bundle branch reentry ventricular tachycardia.

Source: Heart Rhythm - December 17, 2020 Category: Cardiology Authors: Riccardo Vio, Alessandro Zorzi, Domenico Corrado, Chiara Calore Source Type: research