Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
10:08
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
14.0K
Mahaim Tachycardia Induced Cardiomyopathy
Ibrahim Gul1, Qamaruddin Roziman1, Aamir Hameed Khan1
1Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Summary
This case report details a young man with palpitations and chest pain due to Mahaim tachycardia, a rare cause of cardiomyopathy. Successful radiofrequency ablation cured his condition, highlighting a treatable cause of heart dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiomyopathy
Background:
- Wide complex tachycardia (WCT) can present with various symptoms including palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, if severe, can lead to significant morbidity.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with 7 months of incessant palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and neck pulsations.
- Previous echocardiography revealed severe LV systolic dysfunction and hypokinesia, which improved with medical therapy.
- Electrophysiological study identified a decremental right-sided atriofascicular pathway responsible for WCT with left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology and left axis deviation (LAD), consistent with Mahaim tachycardia.
Findings:
- Mahaim tachycardia was diagnosed as the cause of the patient's symptoms and cardiomyopathy.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RF) successfully eliminated the atriofascicular pathway and the tachycardia.
Implications:
- This case highlights Mahaim tachycardia as a rare, yet curable, cause of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
- Successful ablation offers a definitive treatment option for patients with this specific type of WCT and associated cardiac dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
700
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
700
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
667
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
667
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
568
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
568
01:17Increased pulse rate
1.3K
Tachycardia is a condition marked by an abnormally fast or irregular heart rate, surpassing the typical resting rate. In adults, tachycardia is characterized by a pulse rate ranging from 100 to 180 beats per minute. The increased heart rate can result in inadequate blood flow to various body parts, ultimately diminishing the oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
1.3K
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
493
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
493
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
578
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
578