Differentiating atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia from tachycardia via concealed accessory pathway

Studies analyzing the diagnostic value of 12-lead electrocardiographic criteria differentiating slow-fast atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) due to concealed accessory pathway have shown inconsistent results. In 97 patients (50 with AVNRT, 47 with AVRT) 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded during sinus rhythm and tachycardia (QRS <120 ms). The ECGs were blinded for diagnosis and patient and analyzed independently by 2 electrophysiologists. The studied criteria differentiating AVNRT from AVRT included pseudo-r'/S, the presence of a retrograde P wave, RP interval, ST-segment depression >/=2 mm with the number and location of the affected leads, QRS amplitude, and cycle length alternans.     

Gender differences in onset of symptoms in AV nodal re-entrant and accessory pathway-mediated re-entrant tachycardia

Purpose

Is onset of symptoms in AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and accessory pathway-mediated re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT) patients gender-specific?

Methods

Intra- and inter-gender differences in onset of symptoms and mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia in adult patients undergoing catheter ablation for AVNRT or AVRT (N=230) were documented.

Results

Women with AVNRT were significantly younger at onset of symptoms compared to men (38±18, 51±18 years, p=0.01). Male AVNRT patients were significantly older at onset of symptoms compared to male AVRT patients (51±18, 25±11 years, p=0.04) but there was no difference in women. Symptoms beginning <30 years in men predicted AVRT in 73%, and beginning ≥30 years the predominant mechanism was AVNRT (85%). In women AVNRT was the most likely mechanism independent of symptom onset (>75%).

Conclusions

Symptoms beginning in patients with AVNRT and AVRT prior to age 30 correlates with a 70% incidence of AVRT in men and a 80% incidence of AVNRT in women. Onset of palpitations ≥ age 30 relates to AVNRT in 85% of patients.     

体表心电图对阵发性窄QRS波心动过速鉴别诊断及定位的价值

目的:通过分析152例阵发性窄QRS波心动过速（NQRST）患者体表心电图（ECG）的6种指标,探讨ECG对NQRST鉴别诊断及定位的价值。方法:选取152例NQRST患者,其中94例为房室结折返性心动过速(AVNRT),42例为房室折返性心动过速（AVRT),16例为房性心动过速(AT)。上述患者电生理机制均经腔内电生理检查所证实,对比分析每位患者窦性心律及心动过速发作时体表心电图在心率、ST-T改变、QRS波电交替、R-P′/P′-R相似文献   

Para-Hisian entrainment: a novel pacing maneuver to differentiate orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia from atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

INTRODUCTION: Para-Hisian pacing during sinus rhythm can help to identify the presence of an accessory pathway (AP). In this maneuver, the retrograde activation time and pattern are compared during capture and loss-of-capture of the His bundle while pacing from a para-Hisian position. However, identification of a retrograde AP does not necessitate that it is operative during the tachycardia of interest; conversely, slowly conducting or "distant" bypass tracts may not be identified. We evaluated the utility of entrainment or resetting of tachycardias from the para-Hisian position to help distinguish atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from orthodromic atrioventricular tachycardia (AVRT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Para-Hisian entrainment/resetting was evaluated in 50 patients: 33 with AVNRT and 17 with AVRT. The maneuvers were performed using a standard quadripolar catheter placed at the His position: low output for right ventricular (RV) capture and high output for both RV and His capture. The retrograde atrial activation sequence, SA interval (interval from stimulus to earliest retrograde atrial activation), and "local" VA interval (interval between the ventricular and atrial electrograms at the site of earliest retrograde atrial activation) were compared between His and His/RV capture. The DeltaSA was > 40 ms in patients with AVNRT and was < 40 ms in all but one patient with AVRT. In concert with the DeltaSA interval, the DeltaVA interval was able to fully define the mechanism of the tachycardia in all patients studied. CONCLUSION: Para-Hisian entrainment/resetting can determine the course of retrograde conduction operative during narrow complex tachycardias. It is a useful diagnostic maneuver in differentiating AVNRT and orthodromic AVRT.     

Usefulness of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR during tachycardia for determining the mechanism of narrow QRS complex tachycardia

In the present study, we analyzed ST-segment elevation in lead aVR during tachycardia to differentiate the narrow QRS complex tachycardia. A total of 338 12-lead electrocardiograms during narrow QRS complex tachycardia were analyzed. Each patient underwent a complete electrophysiologic study. There were 161 episodes of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), 165 episodes of atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), and 12 episodes of atrial tachycardia (AT). The prevalence of aVR ST-segment elevation was 71% for AVRT, 31% for AVNRT, and 16% for AT. For ST-T changes in different leads, logistic regression analysis showed aVR ST-segment elevation was the only significant factor to differentiate the types of narrow QRS complex tachycardia (p <0.001 for AVRT and AVNRT; P = 0.02 for AVRT and AT). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of aVR ST-segment elevation to differentiate AVRT from AVNRT and AT were 71%, 70%, and 70%, respectively. Among 117 episodes of AVRT with aVR ST-segment elevation, there were 76 (65%) left side, 23 (20%) right side, 14 (12%) posterior septal, and 4 (3%) antero- and mid-septal accessory pathways (p = 0.002). In conclusion, aVR ST-segment elevation during narrow QRS complex tachycardia favors the atrioventricular reentry through an accessory pathway as the mechanism of the tachycardia.     

Differentiating atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia from atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia by DeltaHA values during entrainment from the ventricle

BACKGROUND: Differentiating atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) can be difficult. The His bundle and atria are activated sequentially over the AV node during entrainment of AVNRT from the ventricle but simultaneously during supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). They are activated in parallel during entrainment of AVRT but sequentially during SVT. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a DeltaHA (HA((entrainment)) - HA((SVT))) cutoff value of 0 reliably differentiates AVNRT from AVRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 61 patients undergoing electrophysiologic evaluation for paroxysmal SVT, retrograde His-bundle potentials were recorded in 57 (93%) and entrainment performed in 49 (34 AVNRT, 15 AVRT). DeltaHA values during entrainment from the ventricle were significantly longer during AVNRT than AVRT (31 +/- 24 ms vs -38 +/- 31 ms, P <.001). All DeltaHA values were positive (minimum: 3 ms) for AVNRT and negative (maximum: -2 ms) for AVRT. DeltaHA of 0 had sensitivity, specificity. and positive predictive value of 100% for correct diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The DeltaHA criterion during entrainment of tachycardia from the ventricle reliably differentiates AVNRT (positive values) from AVRT (negative values).     

New insights into the clinical signs of supraventricular tachycardia: The “sign of lace‐tying”

Background

Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) are a common arrhythmia therefore an accurate diagnosis is of clinical importance. Although an ECG performed during tachycardia greatly aids diagnosis, patient history and predisposing factors also improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

This prospective study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing electrophysiological study for SVT with the aim to reassess their clinical characteristics and describe frequent predisposing factors, such as the “sign of lace‐tying” that to our knowledge has not previously been reported. Each patient completed an extensive questionnaire (70 questions) during their hospital stay.

Results

Our series comprised: 67% of patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT); 24% with an accessory pathway; and 9% presented atrial tachycardia. Half of the population were male and 29% of the cohort presented hypertension. Syncope during tachycardia appeared in 15% of patients, dizziness in 52% and thoracic pain in 59%. We encountered a predisposing risk factor for SVT in 53% of cases; with 32% exhibiting an anteflexion of the trunk termed the “sign of lace‐tying.” Data also showed that younger patients tended to present AVRT and regular pounding in the neck appeared only in patients with AVNRT.

Conclusions

Overall, our study has highlighted the importance of considering clinical signs and patient characteristics both before and during SVT for the precise diagnosis of paroxysmal SVT. Furthermore, 32% of patients presented the “sign of lace‐tying” or body position change before SVT, implying a diagnosis of SVT.

     

Paroxysmal regular supraventricular tachycardia: the diagnostic accuracy of the transesophageal ventriculo-atrial interval

Objective: To establish the diagnostic accuracy of the transesophageal ventriculo‐atrial (VA) interval in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and normal baseline electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods: The transesophageal VA interval during tachycardia was recorded in 318 patients (age 45 ± 17 years, 58% female) with PSVT and a normal surface ECG between attacks. Subsequently, all patients underwent an ablation procedure establishing the correct tachycardia diagnosis. Results: AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), AV reentrant tachycardia through a concealed accessory pathway (AVRT), and ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT) were found in 213, 95, and 10 cases, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an optimal cutoff for a binary categorization of AVNRT versus AVRT/EAT at ≤80 ms (area under the curve 0.891). Owing to a biphasic distribution, AVNRT was very likely at VA intervals ≤90 ms with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 87%, 91%, and 95%. In the range 91–160 ms the corresponding values for AVRT were 88%, 95%, and 88% (90%, 99%, and 98% in male patients). In the small group with VA intervals >160 ms (n = 29), the diagnosis was less clear (PPV of 67% for AVNRT). Conclusions: In patients with sudden onset regular tachycardia and a normal ECG during sinus rhythm, a transesophageal VA interval of ≤80 ms has the highest diagnostic accuracy to diagnose AVNRT versus AVRT/EAT. Overall, the biphasic distribution of VA intervals suggests considering AVNRT at 90 ms and below and AVRT between 91 and 160 ms (in particular in male patients) while the diagnosis is vague at VA intervals above 160 ms. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(4):327–335     

Differentiation of Narrow QRS Complex Tachycardia Types Using the 12‐Lead Electrocardiogram

Background: Previous studies have shown that only 80% of narrow QRS supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) types can be differentiated by standard 12‐lead electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria. This study was designed to determine the value of some new ECG criteria in differentiating narrow QRS SVT. Methods and Results : 120 ECGs demonstrating paroxysmal narrow QRS complex tachycardia (QRS s 0.11 ms and rate > 120 beats/min) were analyzed. Forty atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), 70 atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), and 10 atrial tachycardia defined with electrophysiologic study (EPS) consisted the study group. Eight surface ECG criteria were found to be significantly different between tachycardia types by univariate analysis. P waves separate from the QRS complex were observed more frequently in AVRT (70%) and atrial tachycardia (80%). Pseudo r’deflection in lead V¹, pseudo S wave in inferior leads, and cycle length alternans were more common in AVNRT (55, 20, and 6%, respectively). QRS alternans was also present during AVRT (28%). ST‐segment depression (≧ 2 mm) or T‐wave inversion, or both, were present more often in AVRT (60%) than in AVNRT (27%). During sinus rhythm, manifest preexcitation was observed more often in patients with AVRT (42%). When a P wave was present, RP/PR interval ratio > 1 was more common in atrial tachycardia (90%). By multivariate analysis, presence of a P wave separate from the QRS complex, pseudo r’deflection in lead V¹, QRS alternans, preexcitation during sinus rhythm, ST‐segment depression > 2 mm or T‐wave inversion, or both, were independent predictors of tachycardia type. Conclusions: Several new ECG criteria may be useful in differentiation of SVT types. Prediction of mechanism prior to EPS may provide additional benefits concerning the fluoroscopic exposure time and cardiac catheterization procedure. A.N.E. 2002;7(2):120–126     

The adenosine triphosphate test: a bedside diagnostic tool for identifying the mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia in patients with palpitations.

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the value of the "ATP test" (injection of adenosine triphosphate [ATP] during sinus rhythm) for identifying patients with palpitations of unclear etiology who actually have atrioventricular (AV) nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNRT) or AV re-entry tachycardia (AVRT). BACKGROUND: Because AVNRT and AVRT can be cured with radiofrequency ablation, documentation of spontaneous AVNRT or AVRT usually prompts referral for electrophysiologic (EP) evaluation. However, these paroxysmal arrhythmias may elude clinical diagnosis. We recently showed that administration of ATP during sinus rhythm often reveals dual AV node physiology or a concealed accessory pathway (AP) in patients with documented AVNRT or AVRT. Thus, we postulated that the ATP test could identify patients with palpitations who actually have AVNRT or AVRT and would therefore benefit from EP evaluation. METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients (54 with "palpitations without documented arrhythmias" and 92 with "documentation of arrhythmias of unclear mechanism") underwent a noninvasive ATP test. ATP was injected during sinus rhythm using 10 mg increments. The ATP test was considered positive when prospectively defined signs of dual AV node physiology or concealed AP were disclosed in the electrocardiogram. These findings were correlated with the results of EP evaluation. RESULTS: A positive ATP test predicted induction of AVNRT or AVRT with a positive predictive value of 93% (sensitivity 71%) but a negative predictive value of 37% (specificity 76%). CONCLUSIONS: A bedside ATP test identifies patients with palpitations who are likely to have AVNRT or AVRT (and who are therefore likely to benefit from EP evaluation) with a high positive predictive value.     

Electrocardiogram algorithms used to differentiate wide complex tachycardias demonstrate diagnostic limitations when applied by non-cardiologists

Aims

Non-cardiologists (NCs) are often responsible for the preliminary diagnosis and early management of patients presenting with ventricular tachycardia (VT) or supraventricular wide complex tachycardia (SWCT). At present, the Vereckei aVR and Brugada algorithms are the most widely recognized and frequently relied upon wide complex tachycardia (WCT) differentiation criteria by NCs. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of the Vereckei aVR and Brugada algorithms when applied by NCs.

Distinction between atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia and atrioventricular node re-entrant tachycardia in the adult population based on P wave location; should we reconsider the value of some ECG criteria according to gender and age?

AIMS: Distinction between atrioventricular node re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) is sometimes difficult using location of retrograde P waves on ECG. METHODS: P wave location was retrospectively determined in 137 anterior slow-fast AVNRT (85%) and 26 orthodromic AVRT (15%) with narrow QRS occurring in 161 successive patients without pre-excitation. Mechanism of arrhythmia was assessed by electrophysiological study and confirmed by the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation. P waves were classified as invisible, visible after the QRS, or as R' in V(1) and/or S in II. Correlations with arrhythmia mechanism were made according to gender and age (>or= or <65 years old). RESULTS: Mechanism was related to gender but not to age, with a higher proportion of AVNRT in women (89/97, 91%) than in men (48/66, 72%) (P=0.001). AVRT presented with visible P waves in 26/26 cases (100%) while AVNRT presented with invisible P waves in 36/137 (27%), R'V(1)/SII in 79/137 (57%) and visible P waves in 22/137 (16%). P wave location during AVNRT was related to age but not to gender, with a higher proportion of AVNRT with visible P waves in elderly than in younger patients: 8/27 (29%) vs 14/110 (12%) (P=0.03). Visible P wave during AVNRT was mainly caused by a delay in nodal retrograde conduction in 17/22 patients (77%). Mechanism of tachycardia with visible P waves was related to gender (AVNRT in 14/22 women (64%), AVRT in 18/26 men (70%), P =0.02) and to age, although non-significantly (AVNRT in 8/13 (62%) old vs 14/35 (40%) young patients, P=0.18). A visible P wave was predictive of AVNRT in 25% and in 60% of the men and women younger than 65 years old, and in 50% and in 71% of older men and women respectively (P=0.08 - borderline significance). CONCLUSIONS: Correct distinction between anterior slow-fast AVNRT and orthodromic AVRT can be reliably made regardless of gender or age in case of R'V(1)/SII or invisible P wave. AVRT as the expected mechanism should be reconsidered in the case of visible P waves in the elderly and in the female gender in the absence of pre-excitation.     

Determinants of immediate success for catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in patients without junctional rhythm

Background and purpose

To investigate the independent predictors of immediate success for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) catheter ablation in patients without accelerated junctional rhythm (JR).

Methods

The study included 172 consecutive patients with AVNRT undergoing slow pathway ablation that had no JR during the radiofrequency pulses. The diagnosis of AVNRT was made using the classic criteria of documenting antegrade atrio–His or retrograde ventriculoatrial (VA) jump and arrhythmia induction. Successful ablation was defined as the inability to induce tachycardia with and without the infusion of isoproterenol and the absence of more than one AV-nodal echo.

Results

The clinical independent predictors of successful ablation in the studied patients were identified as age ≥60, ablation-site location (mid-septal rather than posteroseptal), and baseline heart rate ≥100 beat per minute. The predictive performance of the risk model was very good and the calibration of the risk model was acceptable.

Conclusions

Our study suggests predictive factors that can be used to gauge procedural success in AVNRT patients without accelerated JR during ablation.     

Value of an old school approach: safety and long-term success of radiofrequency current catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in children and young adolescents

Purpose

Radiofrequency current energy (RFC) ablation is still considered as the gold standard for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Success-rates for AVNRT ablation vary irrespective of the ablation technology and strategy. This study aimed to access safety, efficacy, and long-term outcome of RFC catheter ablation for the treatment of AVNRT in children and adolescents aged <?19 years with special focus on modulation versus ablation of the AV nodal slow pathway (SP).

Methods

A total number of 1143 patients (pts) <?19 years were referred for invasive electrophysiological testing due to paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Results

Diagnosis of AVNRT was confirmed in 412 pts, and RFC-guided ablation was attempted in 386 pts (age 13.0?±?3.5 years). No permanent complications were observed. RFC application resulted in SP-ablation in 171/386 (44.3%) and in SP modulation in 208/386 (53.9%) children, whereas attempts for RFC treatment failed in 7 pts. Follow-up was completed for 396/412 patients (96.1%). Within a mean follow-up period of 54.9?±?39.7 months, in 51/379 pts (13.5%) AVNRT recurrence was observed. The median time until tachycardia recurrence was 19.5 months. No difference for AVNRT recurrence was found comparing SP ablation versus SP modulation (p >?0.05), whereas the recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with non-inducible SVT and therefore empiric SP treatment as compared to patients with inducible AVNRT (p =?0.01).

Conclusions

RFC-guided ablation for AVNRT in children and adolescents is safe and leads to an acceptable long-term freedom from recurrences. SP modulation and SP ablation resulted in comparable acute and long-term success rates. Late AVNRT recurrences can occur even after years of freedom from tachycardia-related symptoms.

     

Relationship between accessory pathway location and occurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia

OBJECTIVE:

To study the relationship between the location of atrioventricular accessory pathways and occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT).

METHODS:

The clinical features and location of accessory pathways in patients with a history of AF were compared with those of patients with no history of AF.

RESULTS:

Patients with AF (n=44) were older, more likely to be male and more likely to have multiple or manifest accessory pathways than patients without AF (n=373). There was no significant difference in the location of accessory pathways between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis showed older age, male sex, and multiple and manifest pathways were independent predictors of AF in patients with AVRT (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The location of accessory pathways does not appear to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AF in patients with AVRT. Older patients with multiple or manifest accessory pathways are at an increased risk of clinical AF.     

A New Electrocardiographic Algorithm Using Retrograde P Waves for Differentiating Atrioventricular Node Reentrant Tachycardia From Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia Mediated by Concealed Accessory Pathway

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to use an electrocardiographic (ECG) algorithm, derived from the results of radiofrequency ablation, to discriminate atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) from atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) and to localize a concealed accessory pathway, prospectively.Background. Information about ECG criteria for differentiating AVNRT from AVRT is limited and has not been confirmed by surgical or catheter ablation.Methods. Four hundred six ECGs (obtained from 406 different patients) that demonstrated narrow QRS complex (<0.12 s) supraventricular tachycardia with an RP′ interval less than the P′R interval or pseudo r′ wave in lead V₁or pseudo S wave in inferior leads, or both, were examined, and the results were confirmed by radiofrequency catheter ablation. The initial 226 ECGs were analyzed to develop a stepwise algorithm, and the subsequent 180 ECGs were prospectively evaluated by the new algorithm.Results. The presence of a pseudo r′ wave in lead V₁or a pseudo S wave in leads II, III, aVF indicated anterior-type AVNRT with an accuracy of 100%. With the difference of RP′ intervals in leads V₁and III >20 ms, posterior-type AVNRT could be differentiated from AVRT utilizing a posteroseptal pathway with a sensitivity of 71% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55% to 89%), a specificity of 87% (95% CI 67% to 97%) and a positive predictive value of 75% (95% CI 56% to 91%). According to the polarity of retrograde P waves in leads V₁, II, III, aVF and I during AVRT, the concealed accessory pathway could be localized to one of the nine regions on the atrioventricular annuli with an accuracy of 75% (for a right midseptal pathway) to 93.8% (for a left posterior pathway). Overall, the new algorithm had an accuracy of 97.8% in discriminating AVNRT from AVRT and 88.1% in localizing a concealed accessory pathway, prospectively. Prediction was incorrect in only 15 patients (9.1%).Conclusions. The new ECG algorithm derived from the analysis of retrograde P waves during tachycardia could provide a criterion for differential diagnosis between AVNRT and AVRT and for predicting the location of concealed accessory pathways.(J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:394–402)     

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia associated with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia: clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics

Background

Case reports have described the coexistence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia in the same patient. This study examines the frequency of dual atrioventricular nodal (AVN) physiology, AVN echo beats, and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) in patients with VT.

Methods

Programmed atrial and ventricular stimulation was performed in 132 consecutive patients referred for electrophysiologic study of symptomatic VT. Of the 132, 99 patients had structural heart disease, and 33 patients had idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (IVT).

Results

Among the 33 patients with IVT, 23 had dual AVN physiology. Compared with patients with structural heart disease undergoing VT ablation, dual AVN pathways (70% vs 27%, P < .0001), dual AVN pathways with echo beats (24% vs 8%, P = 0.03), and AVNRT (21% vs 1%, P = .0002) were more common in patients with IVT.

Conclusion

Dual AVN physiology and AVNRT appear to be associated with IVT. This finding suggests that patients with IVT should undergo a complete electrophysiologic evaluation, and the diagnosis of coexistent AVNRT should be considered in this population.     

Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in patients with atrioventricular reentrant and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

AIM: To compare clinical, electrophysiological characteristics and transcatheter ablation results between two groups of patients, one with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and the other with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). METHODS: The study population consisted of 94 consecutive patients who underwent endocavitary electrophysiological study and radiofrequency (RF) ablation: 46 patients had AVRT due to an accessory pathway with only retrograde conduction while 48 patients had AVNRT. RESULTS: In relation to general and clinical characteristics, differences between the two groups emerged regarding the age of symptom onset (25+/-16 vs 37+/-17 years, p=0.001), the prevalence of heart disease (8 vs 31%, p=0.001) and the correct diagnosis on surface ECG (50 vs 79%, p=0.001). Clinical presentation was quite similar apart from a higher prevalence of fatigue and sweating in the AVNRT group. Transcatheter RF ablation therapy results were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AVRT have a lower mean age at arrhythmia symptom onset compared with those with AVNRT and have fewer associated cardiac abnormalities. Clinical presentation is quite similar as well as their outcome after ablation. A correct diagnosis by standard ECG is more frequent in AVNRT.     

Electrocardiographic differentiation of typical atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia from atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia mediated by concealed accessory pathway in children

The value of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in children with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is unclear. The noninvasive differentiation of typical atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) mediated by concealed accessory pathway conduction is clinically important, as it helps in counseling and potentially facilitates ablation procedures. One hundred forty-eight ECGs showing narrow QRS complex SVT were obtained from children before successful radiofrequency catheter ablation. An initial 102 ECGs were analyzed by 3 blinded observers to assess the utility of various electrocardiographic findings. No electrocardiographic criteria were found to discriminate between SVT mechanisms on 1- to 3-channel Holter/event recorder tracings (n = 32); their interpretation mainly (55%) resulted in an incorrect SVT diagnosis. On 12-lead ECGs (n = 70), the 2 arrhythmias were accurately diagnosed in 76% of patients; 5 findings were found to be discriminators of tachycardia mechanism. Predictors of AVRT were visible P waves in 74% of cases (sensitivity 92%; specificity 64%), RP intervals of > or =100 ms in 91% (sensitivity 84%; specificity 91%), and ST-segment depression of > or =2 mm in 73% of cases (sensitivity 52%; specificity 82%). Pseudo r' waves in lead V(1) and pseudo S waves in the inferior leads during tachycardia predicted AVNRT in 100% of cases (sensitivity 55% and 20%, respectively; specificity 100% for both). Based on these results, we developed a new diagnostic 12-lead electrocardiographic algorithm for pseudo r'/S waves, RP duration, and ST-segment depression during tachycardia. Two observers tested the algorithm in 46 (21 AVNRT; 25 AVRT) additional cases; they correctly diagnosed the SVT mechanism in 91% and 87%, respectively. Thus, the stepwise use of diagnostically relevant 12-lead electrocardiographic parameters helps to more accurately differentiate mechanisms of reentrant SVT.     

T wave positivity in lead aVR is associated with mortality in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Purpose

Positive T wave polarity in lead aVR (TPaVR) is associated with a poor prognostic indicator in patients with heart failure reduce ejection fraction (HFrEF). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between positive TPaVR and mortality in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D).

Methods

We included retrospectively 224 HFrEF patients with CRT-D in sinus rhythm. Laboratory, electrocardiographic (ECG), and echocardiographic data were recorded. T wave polarity was measured in lead DI, DII, and aVR from surface ECG.

Results

The patients were divided as living and deceased. They followed for 2.5?±?0.9 years. Thirty-three patients (14.7%) died. Six patients (18.2%) were TPaVR positive before CRT-D and this number increased to 22 (66.6%) after CRT-D in the deceased group. Pulse (p?=?0.049), hyperlipidemia (p?=?0.022), and NT-proBNP levels were higher in the deceased group (p?=?0.001). TPaVR before CRT-D (p?<?0.001) and TPaVR after CRT-D (p?<?0.001) were significantly positive in the deceased group. Positive TPaVR after CRT-D was the only independent predictor for mortality in binominal logistic regression analysis (OR 1.211, 95% CI 1.105–1.328, p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

In CRT-D patients, a positive TPaVR in surface ECG may be a strong mortality indicator.