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Can U waves be "notched"?
Vignendra Ariyarajah1, Aliasghar Khadem, David H Spodick
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, St. Boniface General Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. vignendra@hotmail.com
Insights
Abnormal U waves, potentially bifid, were observed over 10 years despite normal Holter findings. This case explores causes of abnormal U waves and their relationship to T waves.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Abnormal U waves are linked to various cardiac conditions like hypokalemia, ischemia, and hypertension.
- Cardiac medications, particularly antiarrhythmics, can also cause U wave abnormalities.
Observation:
- This case report details possibly bifid U waves persisting for 10 years.
- The observation occurred despite repeatedly negative Holter monitor findings.
- Clinical assessment revealed an absence of atrial tachyarrhythmias.
Findings:
- The study presents a rare case of persistent, possibly bifid U waves.
- The findings highlight the ongoing investigation into the mechanisms and U-wave-T-wave relationship.
- Common causes of normal and abnormal U waves are discussed.
Implications:
- This case contributes to understanding rare U wave morphologies.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the elusive mechanisms of U-wave abnormalities.
- The findings may prompt re-evaluation of U wave significance in clinical practice.
Abstract:
Abnormal U waves (unduly larger or misshapen) are associated with several conditions such as hypokalemia, arrhythmias, cardiac ischemia, ventricular hypertrophy, and hypertension. Abnormal U waves have also been linked to certain cardiac medications, predominantly antiarrhythmics. However, mechanisms of U-wave-abnormality remains debated and perhaps elusive with the true U-wave relationship to T waves still being investigated. While there have indeed been reports of bifid ("notched") T waves, such comparably described U waves have escaped us thus far. We present a case of possibly bifid U waves that persisted over the course of 10 years in the setting of repeated negative Holter monitor findings and clinical absence of atrial tachyarrhythmias. We take this opportunity to briefly discuss common causes of "normal" and abnormal U waves.
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