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[Atrial tachycardia with block in congenital atrial septal defect. A case report]
Insights
Atrial tachycardia with block is a rare arrhythmia in adults with atrial septal defect. This case report details a successful treatment using Verapamil and Quinidine, restoring normal sinus rhythm.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Atrial arrhythmias are common in adults with congenital atrial septal defect (ASD).
- The incidence of these arrhythmias increases with age and right ventricular hemodynamic compromise.
- Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia, followed by atrial flutter and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male with a congenital secundum ASD presented with atrial tachycardia with block.
- This specific arrhythmia is rarely reported in the literature, especially in patients not taking digitalis.
- The patient had no history of digitalis use.
Findings:
- The patient's atrial tachycardia with block was successfully treated with a six-day course of Verapamil and Quinidine.
- Normal sinus rhythm was restored following the treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights atrial tachycardia with block as a rare but treatable arrhythmia in adults with ASD.
- Pharmacological management with Verapamil and Quinidine can be effective in restoring sinus rhythm.
- Further research may explore the specific mechanisms and optimal management strategies for this rare presentation.
Abstract:
Atrial arrhythmia is not uncommon in congenital atrial septal defect. Its incidence increases with age and the hemodynamic compromise of right ventricle. In the literature, atrial fibrillation is the most common presentation in middle-aged adults with congenital atrial septal defect, followed by atrial flutter and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. However, atrial tachycardia with block has rarely been reported. We here report a case of 61-year-old male with congenital secundum atrial septal defect who presented atrial tachycardia with block without taking digitalis. Normal sinus rhythm restored after six-day use of Verapamil and Quinidine.