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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Induction of atrial fibrillation after the routine use of adenosine
Jonathan R Kaltman1, Ronn E Tanel, Maully J Shah
1The Cardiac Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. kaltman@email.chop.edu
Abstract:
We report a case of atrial fibrillation induction after the use of adenosine for the termination of supraventricular tachycardia in the emergency department. Atrial fibrillation is not an uncommon side effect of adenosine administration. Hemodynamic collapse may occur if an antegrade-conducting accessory pathway allows for a rapid ventricular response. Therefore, we would recommend that the use of adenosine be limited to situations in which there is appropriate electrocardiographic monitoring and emergency resuscitative capabilities.
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