Atrial fibrillation following low voltage electrical injury

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Electrical injuries commonly present with cardiac complications, most frequently arrhythmias like sinus tachycardia/bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, premature beats, and bundle branch blocks.
• While cardiac involvement is known, specific arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation are less commonly reported, especially in the absence of high-voltage exposure or pre-existing cardiac conditions.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old male with no prior cardiac history presented with palpitations post-low voltage electrical injury.
• Clinical examination revealed tachycardia with an irregularly irregular pulse.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) confirmed the presence of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate.

Findings:

• The patient underwent successful chemical cardioversion, reverting to a normal sinus rhythm.
• This case represents a rare instance of atrial fibrillation following a low-voltage electrical injury.
• The absence of high-voltage exposure or pre-existing cardiac disease makes this presentation particularly unusual.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for varied and uncommon cardiac manifestations following even low-voltage electrical injuries.
• It suggests that electrical exposure should be considered in the differential diagnosis of new-onset arrhythmias, regardless of voltage or patient history.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms linking low-voltage electrical exposure to atrial fibrillation may be warranted.