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[Intermittent pre-excitation after adenosine administration]
J M Alegret1, X Viñolas, O Palazón
1Sección de Cardiología. Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan. Reus. Departamento de Cardiología.aHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Barcelona.
Revista Espanola De Cardiologia
|August 25, 2000
Summary
Adenosine can reveal hidden accessory pathways, causing intermittent preexcitation in some patients. This finding aids in diagnosing conditions that may not appear on standard ECGs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Accessory pathways can cause preexcitation, but may not be evident on baseline electrocardiograms (ECGs).
- Intermittent preexcitation poses diagnostic challenges in patients with potential accessory pathways.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient with an undiagnosed accessory pathway is presented.
- This pathway did not exhibit preexcitation on the basal ECG.
- Adenosine administration induced 2:1 intermittent preexcitation.
Findings:
- Adenosine can unmask latent accessory pathways by altering atrioventricular nodal conduction.
- The 2:1 block pattern observed suggests a specific electrophysiological response to adenosine.
- This event highlights the dynamic nature of accessory pathway conduction.
Implications:
- Adenosine may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying accessory pathways not seen on standard ECGs.
- Understanding adenosine's effect on accessory pathways can refine diagnostic strategies.
- This case contributes to the knowledge of managing patients with supraventricular tachycardias.