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Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction
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AV node reentry tachycardia in infants

J E Crosson1, P S Hesslein, O G Thilenius

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis, USA.

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|December 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Atrioventricular (AV) node reentry tachycardia occurs in infants with structurally normal hearts. This condition can manifest early in life, even in newborns, and may require intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias

Background:

  • Paroxysmal tachycardia is a common concern in infants.
  • Transesophageal electrophysiological study is a diagnostic tool for pediatric arrhythmias.
  • Atrioventricular (AV) node reentry tachycardia is a specific type of supraventricular tachycardia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of AV node reentry tachycardia in infants.
  • To analyze the characteristics and clinical presentation of AV node reentry tachycardia in this age group.
  • To assess the early onset and potential recurrence of AV node reentry tachycardia in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 52 infants under 1 year old with structurally normal hearts undergoing transesophageal electrophysiological study for paroxysmal tachycardia.
  • Detailed data review and follow-up (>12 months) for infants diagnosed with AV node reentry tachycardia.
  • Analysis of electrophysiological parameters including tachycardia cycle length and ventriculoatrial intervals.

Main Results:

  • Six of 52 infants (11.5%) were diagnosed with AV node reentry tachycardia.
  • Tachycardia was diagnosed at a mean age of 2.1 months, with 3 infants studied within the first month of life.
  • Recurrences were observed in 2 of 6 patients during a mean follow-up of 24 months; 5 of 6 showed discontinuous AV node conduction.

Conclusions:

  • The substrate for AV node reentry tachycardia is present early in infancy.
  • AV node reentry tachycardia is a clinically significant arrhythmia in newborns and young infants.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for infants presenting with paroxysmal tachycardia.

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