We taught our fellows on the basis of differential diagnosis: In this case: Wide Complex Beats (or "fat" beats): 1. Ventricular Origen: a. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) b. Automatic ectopic beats (Parasystole) 2. Supraventricular Origen: a. Aberrant Conduction: HR dependent b. Preexcited beats c. Intermittent conduction delay (LBBB, etc) Your case: I see three (3) populations of beats (see lead I): 1. First population represented by beats 1,2,5,6 (the widest) 2. Second population represented by beats 3,7 3. Third population represented by beat 4. In fact this beats has the appearence of a "son" between the first and the second population. This beat is a FUSION beat. Before this beat, there is a non- conducted P-wave. 4. The interval between beats 1 & 2 and between beats 5 & 6 is identical. Diagnosis: Ventricular Parasystole. Ventricular parasystole is an automatic rhythm originated in any part of the ventricles, that compete with the underlying rhythm of the patient. In its typical form is characterized by 3 signs: 1. Variable coupling interval (not well seen in this trace becasue is TOO short). the original papers of Castellanos A (see mid 70s) he requiered at least 2 minutes of continuos recordings to call a rhythm a parasystole. The variable coupling interval is giving by the automatic nature of this arrhythmia. 2. Fusion beats: this is the consequence of 2 activation fronts depolarizing the ventricle simultaneously (the sinus beat + the automatic focus) 3. Minimum multiple law: this referes to the minimum cycle length of discharge of the parasystolic focus. Sometimes is very difficult to find it due to the influence of autonomic tone over the ectopic focus as well as a modulation induced by the uderlying rhythm (entry/exit block). If you have the 3 components, the arrhythmia is called TYPICAL parasystole (only seen in 10% of the cases) but if you see variable coupling interval and fusion ONLY is called ATYPICAL or MODULATED parasystole (90% of the cases). Of course, you can prove me wrong, as the strip is a bit short to be conclusive. But I enjoyed the intelectual exercise, thanks Potro!
Spanish Estimado Potro: Qu hermoso trazado! Les enseamos a nuestros colegas sobre la base del diagnstico diferencial: En este caso: latidos complejos anchos (o latidos gordos): 1. Origen ventricular: a. Extrasstoles ventriculares b. Latidos ectpicos automticos (parasstole) 2. Origen supraventricular a. Conduccin aberrante: dependiente de FC b. Latidos pre-excitados c. Retardo de conduccin intermitente (BRI, etc.) Su caso: Veo tres (3) poblaciones de latidos (ver derivacin I): 1. Primera poblacin representada por latidos 1,2,5,6 (los ms anchos) 2. Segunda poblacin representada por latidos 3,7 3. Tercera poblacin representada por el latido 4. De hecho, estos latidos tienen la apariencia de un hijo entre la primera y segunda poblacin. Este latido es un latido de FUSIN. Antes del mismo, hay una onda P no conducida. 4. El intervalo entre los latidos 1 y 2 y entre los latidos 5 y 6 es idntico. Diagnstico: parasstole ventricular. La parasstole ventricular es un ritmo autonmico que se origina en cualquier parte de los ventrculos, que compite con el ritmo subyacente del paciente. En su forma tpica se caracteriza por 3 signos: 1. Intervalo de acoplamiento variable (no se ve bien en este trazado porque es MUY corto). Los trabajos originales de Castellanos A (ver mediados de los 70) requeran al menos 2 minutos de registro continuo para llamar a un ritmo parasstole. El intervalo de acoplamiento variable es dado por la naturaleza automtica de esta arritmia. 2. Latidos de fusin: son la consecuencia de dos frentes de activacin que despolarizan el ventrculo simultneamente (latido sinusal+foco automtico). 3. Ley de mltiples mnimos: esto se refiere a la longitud mnima de ciclo de descarga del foco parasistlico. A veces es muy difcil hallarlo por la influencia del tono autonmico sobre el foco ectpico as como una modulacin inducida por el ritmo subyacente (bloqueo de entrada/salida). Si se tienen 3 componentes, la arritmia es llamada parasstole TPICA (observada solamente en el 10% de los casos) pero si se observa un intervalo variable de acoplamiento y fusin SOLAMENTE, se llama parasstole ATPICA o MODULADA (90% de los casos). Por supuesto, Ud. puede decir que estoy equivocado, puesto que el trazado es un poco corto para ser concluyente. Pero disfrut el ejercicio intelectual, gracias Potro! Adrian Baranchuk
Beats with wide QRS are seen (image of CLBBB, superior axis), which compete with an apparently baseline rhythm with narrow QRS, not sinus, at times reaching fusion beats. It seems to be a pacemaker in the VVI mode at 100 bpm, on rhythm of AF with moderate ventricular response. The accuracy in the LC of the "wide" rhythm and a possible spike in the 2nd beat in V3, make me lean toward this diagnosis. Best regards for everyone. Excellent tracing. Damian Longo Spanish Se observan latidos con QRS ancho (imgen de BCRI, eje superior), que compiten con un ritmo aparentemente basal con QRS estrecho, no sinusal, logrando por momentos latidos de fusin. Impresiona tratarse de un marcapasos en modo VVI a 100 lpm, sobre ritmo de FA de moderada rta ventricular. La exactitud en la LC del ritmo "ancho" y uma posible espiga en el 2do latido en V3 hacen inclinarme hacia ese Dx. Saludos cordiales a todos. Excelente trazado. TPC Damian Longo
Potro, Remarkable electrophysiologists, I work on morphological electrocardiology, but I will try from my point of view, to analyze this tracing. The CLBBB-like beats have the first vector with very slow depolarization, similar to the first vector of a WPW beat. This vector evolves into a fibrotic area. The frontal vectorial orientation is shifted to the left, indicating that its origin is the posterior paraseptal area of the right ventricle. This arrhythmia makes me suspect an ischemic process (where often, it is the only hint of ischemic process, of a silent area for the ECG). Atypical LA morphology of V5, V6, explained by the extreme shift to the left of PVC. The third beat seems to be it is a capture of retrograde P with first degree block. This beat is related to the second beat, since it appears at the same distance in the last beat of the record in regard to the penultimate (arrhythmia in mirror, where the beats are repeating in the same sequence). Of course, we need a longer recording, but theres no doubt that the 4 beats are related to each other. The fourth beat is a fusion beat, in favor of sinus beat, since the PR segment allows for a greater anterograde depolarization. TO CONCLUDE, VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA ORIGINATED IN THE RIGHT PARASEPTAL AREA WITH MIRROR BEATS. I hope this analysis of an old electrocardiographist may give you a clue on this interesting case.
Spanish Potro Destacados electrophisiologista , yo me dedico a la electrocardiologia morfologica, pero intentare de mi punto de vista de analizar este trazado Los latidos CLBBB like tienen el primer vector con depolarizacion muy lenta , similar al primer vector de un latido WPW.Este vector evoluciona en una zona fibrotica . La orientacion vectorial frontal esta desviado hacia la izquierda, indicando que su origen es la zona paraseptal posterior del ventriculo derecho Esta arritmia hace sospechar de un proceso isquemico (donde muchas veces es el unico indicio de un proceso iequemico, de una zona muda al electro) . LA morfologia atipica de v5,v6 ,se explica por la desviacion extrema hacia la izquierda de la sPVC'S El tercer latido me parece que es una captura de una P retograda con bloqueo de primer grado. Este latido esta relacionado con el segundo latido, ya que aparece en la misma distancia en el ultimo latido del registro con respecto al anteultimo (arritmia en espejo, donde los latidos se van repitiendo en la misma sequencia) Por supuesto necesitamos un registro mas largo . pero no hay duda que los 4 latidos estan relacionado entre si. El cuarto latido es un latido fusionado, en favor de latido sinusal ya que el segmento P-R permite una mayor depolarizacion anterograda EN CONCLUSION ARRITMA VENTRICULAR ORIGINADA EN LA ZONA PARASEPTAL DERECHA, CON LATIDOS EN ESPEJO Espero que este analisis de un viejo electrocardiografista les pueda dar la clave sobre este interesante caso
My dear Adrian, is just a modest apprentice of electrocardiography, with too much modesty to express his ideas before so many experts. However, and between the proposed diagnoses accelerated idioventricular rhythm, which I read requires at least three premature ventricular contractions in a row, and parasystole I lean toward the latter, and to be on your good side. Looking at the Chapter on Ventricualr Arrhythmias from the book ECG Interpretation by Zainul Abedin and Robert Conner, the diagnostic criteria mentioned for parasystole are: "1) variable coupling intervals, 2) interectopic intervals that are constant or have a common denominator, and 3) fusion beats. A coupling interval is the interval between a sinus beat and the following ectopic beat. An interectopic interval is the interval between consecutive ectopic beats, including any intervening sinus beats". Warm regards and thank you for making me read and learn. Spanish Mi querido Adrin, es un humilde aprendiz de la electrocardiografa, con demasiado pudor para expresar su parecer delante de tantos expertos. No obstante, y entre los diagnsticos postulados -RIVA, que le que requiere al menos tres extrasstoles ventriculares seguidas, y Parasstole- me inclino por lo segundo y no por quedar bien contigo. Mirando el captulo de Ventricular Arrhytmias del libro ECG Interpretation de Zainul Abedin y Robert Conner, se menciona que los criterios de Dx de parasstole son: "1) intervalos variables de acoplamiento, 2) intervalos interectpicos que son constantes o tienen un denominador comn, y 3) latidos de fusin. Un intervalo de acoplamiento es el intervalo entre un latido sinusal y el siguiente latido ectpico. Un intervalo interectpico es el intervalo entre latidos ectpicos consecutivos, incluyendo cualquier latido sinusal interviniente". Un abrazo y gracias por obligarme a leer y aprender.
Name: RS; Sex: Female; Age: 70 yo; Ethnic Group: Caucasian; Weight: 76Kg; Height: 1.58 m; Biotype: Endomorph; Date: 10/02/2009; Time: 11:05AM.
HR: 100bpm
3 C
4 F
Clinical Diagnosis: Diabetes Mellitus and coronary insufficiency. ECG Diagnosis: HR 100bpm. Beats 3 and 7 are ventricular captures (C) conducted sinus beats. Beat 4 ventricular fusion beat (F). Final Diagnosis: Probably Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm (AIVR). Why probably? Because the certain diagnosis of AIRV requires at least three premature ventricular contractions.
7 C
Name: RS; Sex: Female; Age: 70 yo; Ethnic Group: Caucasian; Weight: 76Kg; Height: 1.58 m; Biotype: Endomorph; Date: 10/02/2009; Time: 12:40PM.
Now we are certain that it is an AIVR because more than 3 beats in sequence are observed. Where is the focus? Answer in next slide.
The focus is located in right ventricle, Why? Because the basal complexes have Complete Left Bundle Branch Block Pattern-like (CLBBB) VT with CLBBB morphology and extreme axis shifted to the left, is indicative of RVIT origin which always suggests underlying structural heart disease.
Ao PA
Ao RVOT
PA
RA RA
RVIT RV
RV
APEX
Ao
PA
RA
RVIT
C: Capture beat, capture complex or ventricular capture complex Second I Strip Date: 10/02/2009 Time: 12:40 ACCELERATED IDIOVENTRICULAR RHYTHM CAN MOST EASILY BE DISTINGUISHED FROM VT IN THAT THE RATE IS LESS THAN 130 AND USUALLY LESS THAN 100 bpm. HR: 94bpm C
MONITOR LEAD
If the ECG reveal wide QRS tachycardia with a narrow complex beat during a wide complex tachycardia suggests a capture or fusion beat in the setting of VT. However, there are situations where SVT can also manifest this way (1). Patients who are misdiagnosed with VT because of ECG artifact may be subjected to unnecessary procedures. Physicians (n = 766) were surveyed with a case simulation that included a two-lead electrocardiographic monitor tracing of artifact simulating a wide-complex tachycardia. The rhythm strip was not recognized as artifact by 52 of the 55 internists (94%), 128 of the 221 cardiologists (58%), and 186 of the 490 electrophysiologists (38%). 156 of the 181 electrophysiologists (88%), 67 of the 126 cardiologists (53%), and 14 of the 15 internists (31%) who misdiagnosed the rhythm as VT recommended an invasive procedure for further evaluation or therapy. ECG artifact that mimics VT may frequently result in patients being subjected to unnecessary invasive cardiac procedures. Physicians should include artifact in their differential diagnosis of wide complex tachycardias to minimize unneeded procedures.
1.
Rosman J, Tawil J, Hanon S, Schweitzer P. Wide QRS tachycardia: what is the rhythm? Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2006 Oct;11:354-356.
POSSIBLES ETIOLOGIES
Acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI): present in 15% of the cases(1). A) Inferior or inferoposterior wall: in this case they originate in the posterior fascicle of the left bundle branch. B) Acute phase of MI of anterior wall: in this case, they originate in the anterior fascicle of the left bundle branch Chronic phase of infarction
1. 2.
Chiladakis JA, Pashalis A, Patsouras N, et.al. Autonomic patterns preceding and following accelerated idioventricular rhythm in acute myocardial infarction. Cardiology.2001;96:24-31. Hsu PC, Lin TH, Su HM, Voon WC, Lai WT, Sheu SH. Frequent accelerated idioventricular rhythm in a young male of Buerger's disease with acute myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol. 2008 Jul 4;127(2):e64-6.
POSSIBLES ETIOLOGIES
During inhalational induction with halothane(1) Associated to ophthalmic timolol/dorzolamide solution(2) After aconite poisoning(3) Associated with desflurane administration(4) Extreme hyperkalemia (K+ > 10. mmol/l)(5) Digitalis intoxication. See next slide.
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Chhabra A, Subramaniam R. Sudden appearance of idioventricular rhythm during inhalational induction with halothane in a child with congenital cataract. J Postgrad Med. 2008 Oct-Dec; 54: 337-339. Attanasio A, Baglio S, Quatrana M, et. al. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm associated to ophthalmic timolol/dorzolamide solution. Int J Cardiol. 2004 Jun;95:343-345. Fujita Y, Terui K, Fujita M, et al. Five cases of aconite poisoning: toxicokinetics of aconitines. J Anal Toxicol. 2007 Apr; 31:132-137. Marret E, Pruszkowski O, Deleuze A, et al. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm associated with desflurane administration. Anesth Analg. 2002 Aug; 95: 319-321. Kes P, Orli-Cunovi D, Trubelja N. A life-threatening complication of extreme hyperkalemia in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis. Acta Med Croatica. 1995; 49:147-150.
PVC
AF
DII
AIVR
Elderly patient, 82 years old, myocardiosclerotic. Digoxin 0.25 mg/day for quite some time. Absence of P wave, f waves: atrial fibrillation. From the third beat to the sixth, wide and regular QRS with rate of 110 bpm: AIVR: Accelerated IdioVentricular Rhythm. The eighth beat is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). In such case, AIVR indicates digitalis intoxication. The dose of serum digoxin was 3 ng/mL. The levels above 2.5 ng/mL in adults are considered to be toxic.
POSSIBLES ETIOLOGIES
No underlying heart disease In young patients and in newborns(1) Hypervagotonia in highly conditioned athletes(2). During the antenatal period(3) Coronary artery dissection(4) Congenital diseases(5) Primary cardiomyopathies(6) Post-resuscitation(7) Hypertensive heart disease(8)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Freire G, Dubrow I. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm in newborns: a worrisome but benign entity with or without congenital heart disease. Pediatr Cardiol. 2008 Mar; 29:457-462. Nasir JM, Durning SJ, et al.Symptomatic hypervagotonia in a highly conditioned athlete. Clin J Sport Med. 2007 Jan;17:70-71Tsai MS, Huang CH, Chen HR, et al. Postresuscitation accelerated idioventricular rhythm: a potential prognostic factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Intensive Care Med. 2007 Sep;33:1628-1632. Dulac Y, Brosset P, Acar P, et al. Slow ventricular tachycardia presenting in the antenatal period . Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2004 May;97: 564-566. Karabinos I, Papadopoulos A, Koulouris S, et al.Spontaneous coronary artery dissection during a dobutamine stress echocardiography. Echocardiography. 2006 Mar;23:232-234. Reynolds JL, Pickoff AS. Accelerated ventricular rhythm in children: a review and report of a case with congenital heart disease. Pediatr Cardiol. 2001 Jan-Feb;22: 23-28. Grimm W, Hoffmann J, Menz V, et al. Significance of accelerated idioventricular rhythm in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol.2000 Apr 1;85:899-904. Tsai MS, Huang CH, Chen HR, et.al. Postresuscitation accelerated idioventricular rhythm: a potential prognostic factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Intensive Care Med. 2007 Sep;33:1628-1632. Sideris DA, Kontoyannis DA, Michalis L, et al. Acute changes in blood pressure as a cause of cardiac arrhythmias. Eur Heart J.1987 Jan;8:45-52.
1.
Osmancik PP, Stros P, Herman D. In-hospital arrhythmias in patients with acute myocardial infarction - the relation to the reperfusion strategy and their prognostic impact. Acute Card Care. 2008;10:15-25.
1.
Bonnemeier H, Ortak J, Wiegand UK, et al. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm in the post-thrombolytic era: incidence, prognostic implications, and modulating mechanisms after direct percutaneous coronary intervention. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2005 Apr; 10:179-187.