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Pseudo-cross-stimulation due to first degree AV block
Dimitri A Sherev1, Richard H Hongo, Nora Goldschlager
1Division of Cardiology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|July 25, 2003
Summary
Pacemaker interrogation revealed pseudo-cross-stimulation, not true cross-stimulation, due to first-degree AV block. Recognizing this phenomenon prevents misdiagnosing pacemaker lead issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Dual chamber pacemakers are crucial for managing bradyarrhythmias.
- Pacemaker interrogation assesses device function and lead integrity.
- Cross-stimulation is a rare but significant pacemaker complication.
Observation:
- During routine pacemaker interrogation, atrial pacing outputs coincided with QRS complexes.
- This initial finding raised suspicion for cross-stimulation.
- Further analysis of the native rhythm was required.
Findings:
- The observed coincidence was identified as pseudo-cross-stimulation.
- Marked first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block caused the temporal alignment.
- This phenomenon mimicked true cross-stimulation but was not indicative of lead issues.
Implications:
- Distinguishing pseudo-cross-stimulation from true cross-stimulation is vital.
- Accurate diagnosis avoids unnecessary lead repositioning or device replacement.
- Understanding this artifact improves pacemaker management and patient care.