Caffeine intoxication: a case of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

Caffeinism is a syndrome resulting from the excessive ingestion of caffeine and characterized primarily by cardiovascular and central nervous system manifestations. A variety of tachyarrhythmias and extrasystoles are believed to reflect the toxic, cardiotonic effects of caffeine. A case of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) related to caffeine abuse is PAT. The importance of considering this and other less frequent conditions as potential causes for this arrhythmia is stressed.