A new approach to the differential diagnosis of a regular tachycardia with a wide QRS complex

BACKGROUND. In the differential diagnosis of a tachycardia with a wide QRS complex (greater than or equal to 0.12 second) diagnostic mistakes are frequent. Therefore, we investigated the reasons for failure of presently available criteria, and we identified new, simpler criteria and incorporated them in a stepwise approach that provides better sensitivity and specificity for making a correct diagnosis. METHODS AND RESULTS. A prospective analysis revealed that current criteria had a poor specificity for the differential diagnosis. The value of four new criteria incorporated in a stepwise approach was prospectively analyzed in a total of 554 tachycardias with a widened QRS complex (384 ventricular and 170 supraventricular). The sensitivity of the four consecutive steps was 0.987, and the specificity was 0.965. CONCLUSIONS. Current criteria for the differential diagnosis between supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction and ventricular tachycardia are frequently absent or suggest the wrong diagnosis. The absence of an RS complex in all precordial leads is easily recognizable and highly specific for the diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia. When an RS complex is present in one or more precordial leads, an RS interval of more than 100 msec is highly specific for ventricular tachycardia. This new stepwise approach may prevent diagnostic mistakes.     

Taquicardia de QRS largos – importância eletrocardiográfica no diagnóstico diferencial

Correct diagnosis in wide QRS complex tachycardia remains a challenge. Differential diagnosis between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia has important therapeutic and prognostic implications, and although data from clinical history and physical examination may suggest a particular origin, it is the 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram that usually enables this differentiation.Since 1978, various electrocardiographic criteria have been proposed for the differential diagnosis of wide complex tachycardias, particularly the presence of atrioventricular dissociation, and the axis, duration and morphology of QRS complexes. Despite the wide variety of criteria, diagnosis is still often difficult, and errors can have serious consequences. To reduce such errors, several differential diagnosis algorithms have been proposed since 1991. However, in a small percentage of wide QRS tachycardias the diagnosis remains uncertain and in these the wisest decision is to treat them as ventricular tachycardias.The authors’ objective was to review the main electrocardiographic criteria and differential diagnosis algorithms of wide QRS tachycardia.     

12-Kanal-Elektrokardiogramm

The surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of arrhythmias and acute coronary syndrome. Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) are paroxysmal tachycardias as are sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, AV nodal reentry tachycardia, and tachycardia due to accessory pathways. All SVT are characterized by a ventricular heart rate >100/min and small QRS complexes (QRS width <0.12 s) during tachycardia. It is important to analyze the relation between P wave and QRS complex to look for an electrical alternans as a leading finding for an accessory pathway. Wide QRS complex tachycardias (QRS width ≥ 0.12 s) occur in SVT with aberrant conduction and SVT with bundle branch block or ventricular tachycardia (VT). In broad complex tachycardias, AV dissociation, negative or positive concordant pattern in V₁–V₆, a notch in V₁ and QR complexes in V₆ in tachycardias with left bundle branch block morphologies are findings indicating VT. In addition, an R/S relation <1 in V₆ favors VT when right bundle branch block tachycardia morphologies are present. By analyzing the surface ECG in the right way with a systematic approach, the specificity and sensitivity of correctly identifying a SVT or VT can be raised by >95%. The 12-lead surface ECG allows the coronary culprit lesion to be located in 97% due to determination of the 12-lead ST segment deviation score.     

Application of a new algorithm in the differential diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardia.

AIMS: The Brugada criteria proposed to distinguish between regular, monomorphic wide QRS complex tachycardias (WCT) caused by supraventricular (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been reported to have a better sensitivity and specificity than the traditional criteria. By incorporating two new criteria, a new, simplified algorithm was devised and compared with the Brugada criteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 453 WCTs (331 VTs, 105 SVTs, 17 pre-excited tachycardias) from 287 consecutive patients with a proven electrophysiological (EP) diagnosis were prospectively analysed by two of the authors blinded to the EP diagnosis. The following criteria were analysed: (i) presence of AV dissociation; (ii) presence of an initial R wave in lead aVR; (iii) whether the morphology of the WCT correspond to bundle branch or fascicular block; (iv) estimation of initial (v(i)) and terminal (v(t)) ventricular activation velocity ratio (v(i)/v(t)) by measuring the voltage change on the ECG tracing during the initial 40 ms (v(i)) and the terminal 40 ms (v(t)) of the same bi- or multiphasic QRS complex. A v(i)/v(t) >1 was suggestive of SVT and a v(i)/v(t) 相似文献   

New algorithm using only lead aVR for differential diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: We recently reported an ECG algorithm for differential diagnosis of regular wide QRS complex tachycardias that was superior to the Brugada algorithm. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to further simplify the algorithm by omitting the complicated morphologic criteria and restricting the analysis to lead aVR. METHODS: In this study, 483 wide QRS complex tachycardias [351 ventricular tachycardias (VTs), 112 supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), 20 preexcited tachycardias] from 313 patients with proven diagnoses were prospectively analyzed by two of the authors blinded to the diagnosis. Lead aVR was analyzed for (1) presence of an initial R wave, (2) width of an initial r or q wave >40 ms, (3) notching on the initial downstroke of a predominantly negative QRS complex, and (4) ventricular activation-velocity ratio (v(i)/v(t)), the vertical excursion (in millivolts) recorded during the initial (v(i)) and terminal (v(t)) 40 ms of the QRS complex. When any of criteria 1 to 3 was present, VT was diagnosed; when absent, the next criterion was analyzed. In step 4, v(i)/v(t) >1 suggested SVT, and v(i)/v(t) < or =1 suggested VT. RESULTS: The accuracy of the new aVR algorithm and our previous algorithm was superior to that of the Brugada algorithm (P = .002 and P = .007, respectively). The aVR algorithm and our previous algorithm had greater sensitivity (P <.001 and P = .001, respectively) and negative predictive value for diagnosing VT and greater specificity (P <.001 and P = .001, respectively) and positive predictive value for diagnosing SVT compared with the Brugada criteria. CONCLUSION: The simplified aVR algorithm classified wide QRS complex tachycardias with the same accuracy as standard criteria and our previous algorithm and was superior to the Brugada algorithm.     

Value of electrocardiographic leads MCL1, MCL6 and other selected leads in the diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardia

To compare the modified precordial leads MCL1 and MCL6 with the conventional precordial leads V1 and V6 and assess the diagnostic accuracy of selected leads for continuous bedside electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring, 121 wide QRS complex tachycardias were recorded from 92 patients during cardiac electrophysiologic study. As ascertained from intracardiac recordings, 86 tachycardias were ventricular and 35 were supraventricular with aberrant conduction. Early or late peaking of the predominant QRS deflection in lead MCL6 or V6 proved valuable in diagnosing wide complex tachycardia. An interval of less than or equal to 50 ms from the onset of the QRS complex to the predominant peak (or nadir) indicated supraventricular tachycardia; an interval of greater than or equal to 70 ms indicated ventricular tachycardia. The QRS complexes in leads MCL1 and MCL6 were comparable to those in leads V1 and V6 during sinus rhythm. Significant discrepancies in QRS configuration occurred between the modified and conventional precordial leads during ventricular tachycardia, especially between leads MCL1 and V1; however. these differences did not affect diagnostic accuracy. A single MCL1, V1, MCL6 or V6 lead was equally valuable in the diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia and far superior to a single lead II. A combination of leads (MCL1 + MCL6), (V1 + V6), (V1 + I + aVF) or (V1 + V6 + I + aVF) was superior to a single lead or the routinely monitored lead V1 + II combination.     

无人区心电轴在宽QRS波心动过速中的鉴别诊断价值

目的探讨无人区心电轴在宽QRS波心动过速(WCT)中的鉴别诊断价值。方法收集并测量北京大学人民医院2000年1月至2005年10月经心内电生理检查明确诊断的WCT患者窦性心律及心动过速时心电图中Ⅰ、Ⅲ标准导联QRS波振幅的代数和,计算QRS波额面平均心电轴,观察无人区心电轴出现的心律失常类型及规律。结果137例[其中特发性室性心动过速(IVT)65例,室上性心动过速(室上速,SVT)72例]明确诊断的WCT患者中,18例出现无人区心电轴,其中室性心动过速(室速)16例(占室速24.6%,占总病例11.7%),均为左心室特发性室速;宽QRS波室上速2例(占宽QRS波室上速2.8%,占总病例1.5%),均为心房颤动(房颤)伴左侧旁路前传。结论无人区心电轴可以作为鉴别室速与宽QRS波室上速的一项可靠指标。     

Conventional Electrocardiogram in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia-Cardiomyopathy and Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia

Objective: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia up to now is a rare cardiomyopathic entity with certain difficulties in clinical definition of diagnostic criteria. In 42 patients with major and minor criteria of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and 25 patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia, the role of conventional ECG in the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia was reevaluated. Methods: In standard 12-lead ECG, QRS duration was measured in limb lead D₁, and in V₁-V₆. A ratio of the sum of right (V₂+ V₃) and left (V₄+ V₅) was calculated. T wave inversions, Epsilon wave, and mechanisms of advancing right bundle branch block were analyzed. Results: In 39 out of 42 patients (93%) with the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a ratio of right and left precordial QRS duration of >1.2, a maximum right precordial QRS duration of > 100 ms in 10 cases (26%) and >110 ms in 29 cases (74%) could be found. Incomplete right bundle branch block with right precordial T inversions was found in one case. The ECG in two patients revealed a precordial R/S transition in V₁ or V₂; in all other cases, R/S transition was localized in V₃ or V₄. R peak time was normal (< 0.04 s) in all cases, a “notching” or “slurring” of the S wave was striking in 16 cases. T wave inversions were found in 27 cases and definite Epsilon wave in only one case. Although incomplete right bundle branch block and certain preforms could also be disclosed in four patients with idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) tachycardia, localized right precordial QRS prolongation could be excluded in all but one of these cases. Localized right precordial QRS duration prolongation in one case was probably due to a rotation of the heart with a precordial R/S transition between V₁ and V₂. Conclusion: Localized right precordial QRS prolongation in a normal precordial R/S transition: (a) seems to be the most important aspect of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia at conventional ECG, with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 96% in order to distinguish idiopathic RVOT tachycardia; (b) can appear with (64%) or without (36%) secondary T wave inversions; and (c) is due to a “parietal” block sparing the specialized conducting system.     

Antidromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia mimicking ventricular tachycardia in the setting of previous myocardial infarction

The differentiation between ventricular tachycardia and broad-complex supraventricular tachycardia can be extremely difficult, particularly in emergency situations. We report a case of hemodynamically compromising broad-complex tachycardia in a 63-year-old man. The patient had previously sustained an anteroseptal myocardial infarction and had subsequently undergone coronary artery bypass surgery because of triple-vessel coronary artery disease. Intravenous treatment with ajmalin terminated the tachycardia and revealed preexcited QRS complexes compatible with the presence of a left-sided atrioventricular accessory pathway. An antidromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (identical to the clinical tachycardia) was induced during an electrophysiologic study. In conclusion, there are several causes of broad-complex tachycardia, even in patients with previous myocardial infarction, and, where doubt exists, electrophysiologic studies should be performed.     

Coexistence of 2 types of atrial tachycardias and right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia

Double tachycardia is a relatively uncommon type of tachycardia. In this report, we discuss a 68-year-old woman with history of frequent palpitations. Electrophysiologic study revealed that narrow QRS tachycardias from 2 origins and 1 wide QRS tachycardia were induced and each of the tachycardias was induced by the other. We found that 2 focal atrial tachycardias and 1 ventricular tachycardia originated from right ventricular outflow tract. All of these tachycardias were successfully ablated during one session, and no recurrence appeared during 10 months of follow-up.     

Observations on the antidromic type of circus movement tachycardia in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

In the differential diagnosis of tachycardias showing a wide QRS complex and having a 1 to 1 relation between ventricular and atrial events, a supraventricular tachycardia with anterograde conduction over an accessory pathway and retrograde conduction by way of the specific conduction system must be considered. Five patients showing this type of circus movement tachycardia were studied by programmed electrical stimulation of the heart. Sudden changes in the tachycardia cycle length were observed in these patients that were based on changes in the VH interval. This finding suggested a change in the reentrant circuit with anterograde conduction over the accessory pathway but retrograde conduction sometimes occurring over the right bundle branch and at other times over one of the two divisions of the left bundle branch system. Characteristically, the tachycardia cycle length changed suddenly depending on the bundle branch used in retrograde direction. In one patient, an important difference was also observed between the anterograde effective refractory period of the accessory bypass (280 ms) and the shortest RR interval between preexcited QRS complexes during atrial fibrillation (measuring 190 ms). It is postulated that the short RR intervals during atrial fibrillation in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome could result from bundle branch reentry after activation of the ventricles over the accessory pathway.     

A transcardiac lead system for identification and termination of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia

The value of a transcardiac lead system (coronary sinus to right ventricular apex) to record atrial and ventricular electrical activity and its pacing capabilities was assessed in 20 patients with a variety of tachycardias (atrial tachycardia in 3 patients, atrial flutter in 4, intranodal tachycardia in 6, circus movement tachycardia using an accessory pathway in 1 patient, and ventricular tachycardia in 9). The transcardiac lead invariably showed both atrial and ventricular electrical activity during sinus rhythm and tachycardias, allowing application of the same criteria as used when analyzing cardiac rhythm on the surface electrocardiogram. Atrial complexes had a mean amplitude of 4.2 mV during sinus rhythm and varied from 3.0 to 4.1 mV during the different types of tachycardia. Ventricular complexes had a mean amplitude of 9.8 mV during sinus rhythm, 13.8 mV during supraventricular tachycardia and 16.1 mV during ventricular tachycardia. The duration of the QRS complex on the transcardiac lead was equal to the duration of the QRS complex on the surface electrocardiogram during tachycardias with a small or wide QRS complex. By varying the intensity of current delivered through the transcardiac lead, only right ventricular pacing (mean current intensity 1.2 +/- 0.4 mA) or simultaneous atrioventricular pacing (mean current intensity 4.7 +/- 3.3 mA) could be achieved. Termination of all episodes of tachycardia was achieved with either ventricular pacing or simultaneous atrioventricular pacing. This transcardiac lead system allows clear identification of atrial and ventricular events, is suitable for tachycardia analysis using simple surface electrocardiographic algorithms and allows pacing termination of a variety of tachycardias.     

宽QRS波心动过速的鉴别诊断及治疗研究进展

宽QRS波心动过速是临床常见的心血管急症,可见于室性心动过速和部分室上性心动过速。室性心动过速是一种严重心律 失常,而室上性心动过速一般预后良好。由于二者的治疗原则不同,因此及时和正确地对宽QRS波心动过速进行鉴别诊断在临床 上有十分重要的意义。本文对宽QRS波心动过速的鉴别诊断和治疗原则予以综述。     

Specificity of the wide QRS complex tachycardia algorithms in recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy

BackgroundWe assessed the specificity of wide QRS complex tachycardia (WCT) differentiating algorithms in patients with preexistent left bundle branch block (LBBB) and heart failure.MethodsThree hundred fourteen patients with resynchronization devices were retrospectively screened. electrocardiograms with supraventricular LBBB rhythm were used as a surrogate for supraventricular tachycardia QRS morphology. The Pava lead II criterion, ventricular activation velocity ratio (Vi/Vt) ratio in V₂, Vereckei aVR, Brugada, Griffith, and Bayesian algorithms were investigated.ResultsThe WCT algorithms had a lower specificity (33%-69%) in patients with LBBB than in general WCT populations. The Pava lead II criterion and Brugada algorithm had higher specificity than other algorithms (P < .05). Several of the single criteria (absence of an RS complex in V₁ through V₆, initial R wave in aVR, Vi/Vt < 1 in V₂) had specificities of 92% to 99%.ConclusionsIn patients with heart failure and LBBB, an electrocardiographic diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia should be based on selected, specific criteria rather than on WCT algorithms.     

形态心电图标准在宽QRS波心动过速鉴别诊断中的价值

目的:为评价形态心电图单项标准、多项组合的Brugada标准及Brugada标准联合Steurer标准在宽QRS波心动过速(WRT)鉴别诊断中的应用价值及存在的缺陷。方法:对112例WRT[室性心动过速(VT)64例,室上性心动过速(SVT)48例]发作时的常规12导联心电图进行分析。结果:形态心电图单项标准诊断VT的敏感性不高,但部分单项标准的特异性很强(100%),一旦出现,强烈提示VT;多项组合的Brugada标准可提高VT诊断的敏感性(93.8%)及准确性(86.6%),但特异性较低(77.1%);Brugada标准联合Steurer标准可进一步提高诊断VT的特异性(89.6%)及准确性(92.0%)。进一步分析显示:Brugada标准对器质性原因所致VT、右束支传导阻滞型(RBBB)特发性VT(IVT)、SVT伴室内差异性传导(AC)或原有单侧束支传导阻滞(BBB)者诊断符合率高(96.3%~100.0%);对左束支传导阻滞型(LBBB)特发性VT、SVT伴原有双支阻滞、心肌坏死或心肌梗死伴宽QRS波SVT及预激综合征(WPW)伴旁道前传型SVT(WPW-SVT)诊断的符合率低(0~57.1%)。联合Steurer标准可使WPW-SVT得以明确诊断,但对前三者无鉴别意义,故不适合在前三者中应用。结论:形态心电图单项标准诊断VT的敏感性较低,不能依赖某一单项标准判断VT,多项组合的Brugada标准联合Steurer标准是目前诊断VT敏感性、特异性、准确性较强的方法。     

Narrow QRS ventricular tachycardia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of narrow QRS ventricular tachycardia (QRS duration less than or equal to 0.11 seconds). DESIGN: Consecutive survey of patients with ventricular tachycardia. SETTING: Tertiary, referral-based arrhythmia service at a university medical center. PATIENTS: Sequential sample of patients with inducible ventricular tachycardia who had a 12-lead electrocardiogram of the tachycardia available for review. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 106 patients with ventricular tachycardia, 5 (4.7%; 95% CI, 2.1% to 10.6%) had ventricular tachycardia with a QRS duration less than or equal to 0.11 seconds. Three of the five patients were previously incorrectly diagnosed as having supraventricular tachycardia. All five patients had at least two electrocardiographic findings other than QRS duration to suggest ventricular tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Narrow QRS ventricular tachycardia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of narrow QRS tachycardias. Electrocardiographic findings other than QRS duration are usually present to suggest the diagnosis.     

Regelm??ige Tachykardien mit breitem Kammerkomplex

Differential diagnosis of regular tachycardia with broad QRS complex can be challenging in daily practice. There are four different arrhythmias that have to be taken into account when being confronted with a broad QRS complex tachycardia: (1) ventricular tachycardia (VT); (2) supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with bundle branch block (BBB); (3) SVT with AV conduction over an accessory AV pathway; (4) paced ventricular rhythm. Due to potentially fatal consequences, the correct diagnosis is important in view of both the acute treatment and the long-term therapy. Since SVT with accessory conduction is rare and a paced ventricular rhythm can be identified easily by stimulation artifacts, in most cases, a VT has to be differentiated from an SVT with BBB. Several ECG criteria can be helpful: (1) QRS complex duration > 140 ms in right BBB tachycardia or > 160 ms in left BBB tachycardia; (2) ventricular fusion beats; (3)“Northwest” QRS axis; (4) ventriculoatrial dissociation; (5) absence of an RS complex or RS interval > 100 ms in leads V₁-V₆; (6) a positive or negative concordant R wave progression pattern in leads V₁-V₆; (7) absence of an initial R wave or an S wave in lead V₁ in right BBB tachycardia; (8) absence of an R wave or an R/S ratio < 1 in lead V₆ in right BBB tachycardia; (9) absence or delay of the initial negative forces in lead V₁ in left BBB pattern (R wave duration > 30 ms in V₁; interval between onset of R wave and Nadir of S wave > 60 ms in V₁); (10) presence of Q wave. Any of these variables favor VT. However, none of the criteria has both a sufficient sensitivity and specificity when utilized on its own. Therefore, various diagnostic algorithms have been proposed using a number of the above criteria consecutively. By doing so, the specificity and sensitivity of correctly identifying a VT or an SVT with BBB can be raised to > 95%.     

Transitory or permanent regular wide QRS complex tachycardia induced by atrial stimulation in patients without apparent heart disease. Significance

Objectives. - The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of transitory or permanent bundle branch block (BBB) associated with a paroxysmal tachycardia induced by atrial stimulation in patients without heart disease and its significance.Methods. - Esophageal atrial stimulation was performed in 447 patients suspected to have supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). Sustained regular tachycardia was induced in all of them but three, either in control state (75%) or after administering isoproterenol. In 346 patients, only narrow complex SVTs were induced (77%); in 259 of them, the reentry occurred in the AV node and in remaining patients within a concealed accessory pathway. In 62 patients, a transitory functional BBB was recorded at the onset of the tachycardia (14%). In 33 of them, the reentry occurred in the AV node and in the remaining 29 patients within a concealed accessory pathway. In 36 patients (8%), a permanently wide QRS complex tachycardia was induced. Three patients had also inducible narrow complex SVT. Atrial pacing induced a BBB similar to the aberrancy in tachycardia in 22 patients: the reentry occurred in the AV node in 17 patients, within a concealed accessory pathway in three patients and in a Mahaim bundle in two patients. In other patients, QRS complex remained normal during atrial pacing: all 14 patients had a ventricular tachycardia (VT), either a verapamil-sensitive VT (n = 7) or catecholamine-sensitive VT (n = 4) or bundle branch reentry (n = 3). Followed from 2 to 12 years, the prognosis of these patients was excellent.Conclusion. - Transitory BBB at the onset of an SVT is noted in 14% of the population, is more frequent in patients with accessory pathway reentrant tachycardia, but is helpful for this diagnosis in only 12% of cases. A regular tachycardia with permanent left or right bundle branch morphology induced by atrial stimulation in a patient without heart disease and without BBB during atrial pacing is due to a VT even if this patient has also narrow complex tachycardias. This mechanism does not affect the excellent prognosis of this population.     

Are wide complex tachycardia algorithms applicable in children and patients with congenital heart disease?

Introduction

Several algorithms have been developed to help determine the etiology of wide complex tachycardias (WCTs) in adults. Sensitivity and specificity for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberration from ventricular tachycardia (VT) in adults have been demonstrated to be as high as 98% and 97%. These algorithms have not been tested in the pediatric population. We hypothesize that these algorithms have lower diagnostic accuracy in children and patients with congenital heart disease.

Methods

A retrospective review of the pediatric electrophysiology database at Stanford from 2001 to 2008 was performed. All children with WCT, a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) available for review, and an electrophysiology study confirming the etiology of the rhythm were included. Patients with a paced rhythm were excluded. The ECGs were analyzed by 2 electrophysiologists blinded to the diagnosis according to the algorithms described in Brugada et al,² and Vereckei et al.⁵ Additional ECG findings were recorded by each electrophysiologist.

Results

A total of 65 WCT ECGs in 58 patients were identified. Supraventricular tachycardia was noted in 62% (40/65) and VT in 38% (25/65) of the ECGs. The mean age was 13.5 years (SD ± 5.1), the mean weight was 51.8 kg (SD ± 22.4), and 48% (31/65) were male. The mean tachycardia cycle length was 340 milliseconds (SD ± 95). Congenital heart disease (CHD) was present in 37% (24/65) of patients (7 tetralogy of Fallot, 6 Ebstein's, 4 double-outlet right ventricle, 3 complex CHD, 2 d-transposition of great arteries, 1 status-post orthotopic heart transplantation, 1 ventricular septal defect). The Brugada algorithm correctly predicted the diagnosis 69% (45/65) of the time, the Vereckei algorithm correctly predicted the diagnosis 66% (43/65) of the time, and the blinded reviewer correctly predicted the diagnosis 78% (51/65) of the time. There was no difference in the efficacy of the algorithms in patients with CHD vs those with structurally normal hearts. The findings of left superior axis deviation (P < .01) and a notch in the QRS downstroke of V₁ or V₂ (P < .01) were more common in VT than SVT, whereas a positive QRS deflection in V₁ (P = .03) was more commonly present in SVT than VT.

Conclusion

The Brugada and Vereckei algorithms have lower diagnostic accuracy in the pediatric population and in patients with congenital heart disease than in the adult population. Left superior axis deviation and a notch in the QRS downstroke were more commonly associated with VT, whereas a positive QRS deflection in V₁ was more commonly associated with SVT in this population.     

Termination of re-entrant ventricular tachycardia by subthreshold stimulus applied to the zone of slow conduction

A 52-year-old female patient developed recurrent sustained ventriculartachycardia during the first week after left ventricular aneurysmectomy.The patient had no history of ventricular tachycardia preoperatively.As her tachycardias proved to be resistant to several antiarrhythmicdrugs, catheter ablation was considered. To define the siteof origin of ventricular tachycardia, endocardial catheter mappingand pace-mapping were performed. In addition, the response tosingle premature stimuli applied during ventricular tachycardiawas assessed. At a site in the basal portion of the antero-septalarea of the left ventricle, early presystolic endocardial activityduring ventricular tachycardia was found. Continuous pacingas well as premature stimulation from that site showed a markeddelay between the stimulus artefacts and the induced QRS complexes.The stimulus-induced QRS complexes were identical to QRS complexesof spontaneous and induced ventricular tachycardia. At veryshort critical coupling intervals of single premature stimulithat did not capture the ventricles (non-propagated stimuli),ventricular tachycardia was reproducibly terminated. These findings are explained by assuming that the catheter waslocated within the zone of slow conduction of the re-entrantcircuit, possibly in its proximal portion.