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[Familial manifestation of idiopathic atrial flutter]
Insights
Idiopathic atrial flutter (AF) was observed in two brothers, a rare familial occurrence. This study details unusual features of AF in pediatric patients, including resistance to conversion and paroxysmal presentations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Electrophysiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Idiopathic atrial flutter (AF) is a rare condition, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Familial occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias provides insights into genetic predispositions.
- Understanding AF in children is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A unique familial clustering of idiopathic atrial flutter (AF) was identified in two brothers from a family of seven.
- The affected siblings were the only males in the family; parents and other sisters showed normal electrocardiograms.
- No known parental heart disease was reported, suggesting a potential genetic or de novo cause.
Findings:
- The first patient presented with AF that was refractory to cardioversion to sinus rhythm.
- The second patient experienced paroxysmal AF along with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia.
- These cases represent a novel familial occurrence of idiopathic atrial flutter with distinct clinical presentations.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of inherited forms of idiopathic atrial flutter in children.
- Further research into the genetic basis of pediatric AF is warranted.
- Early identification and management strategies for familial AF in pediatric patients may be necessary.
Abstract:
We describe, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the occurrence of idiopathic atrial flutter (AF) in two male children of a family. The two brothers are the third and sixth of seven children, and the only males. The parents do not suffer from any heart disease. The first sister died in Turkey at the age of twenty days. The parents do not know the cause of death. The fourth sister died at de age of five years, also in Turkey, probably because of meningitis. Electrocardiograms of the parents and the other three sisters are normal. Besides the unique familial occurrence, the AF themselves offer some unusual features. In the first patient, the AF could not be converted to sinus rhythm. In the second patient, the AF occurred paroxysmally, and in addition to the AF, the electrocardiogram tracings revealed paroxysmal atrial tachycardia.