Differential Diagnosis Of Supraventricular Tachycardia Research Articles

Local VA index for the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia

BackgroundDifferentiating between atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia utilizing a septal accessory pathway is a complex challenge. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the "local VA index," a straightforward method based on signals from the coronary sinus catheter, to distinguish between these arrhythmias during tachycardia and entrainment. The ventriculoatrial (VA) interval on the coronary sinus catheter is measured during tachycardia and entrainment, at the site of earliest atrial activity. The difference between these 2 situations defines the “local VA index.” We also propose a mechanism to clarify the limitations of historical pacing maneuvers, such as postpacing interval minus tachycardia cycle length (PPI-TCL) and stimulus–atrial interval minus ventriculoatrial interval (SA-VA), by examining nodal decrement and intraventricular conduction delay. MethodsIn a retrospective study of 75 patients referred for supraventricular tachycardia evaluation, 37 were diagnosed with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) with orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia, and 38 with AVNRT (27 typical, 11 atypical). ResultsIn comparison to AVRT patients, AVNRT patients exhibited longer PPI-TCL (176 ± 47 ms vs 113 ± 42 ms; P <.01) and SA-VA (138 ± 47 ms vs 64 ± 28 ms; P <.01). The AVRT group had mean local VA index of –1 ± 13 ms, whereas the AVNRT group had a significantly longer index of 91 ± 46 ms (P <.01). An optimal threshold for differentiation was a local VA index of 40 ms. Importantly, there was no significant correlation between pacing cycle length and nodal decrement as well as intraventricular delay related to pathway location. This interindividual variability might explain misleading interpretations of PPI-TCL and SA-VA. ConclusionThis novel approach is advantageous because of its simplicity and effectiveness, requiring only 2 diagnostic catheters. A local VA interval difference <40 ms provides a clear distinction for AVRT.

Negative SA-VA difference during entrainment of a supraventricular tachycardia: a new criterion for the diagnosis of focal atrial tachycardia

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Ventricular overdrive pacing during tachycardia is one of the most common and useful maneuvers to assess de differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) usually presents long ventriculo-atrial (VA) interval, which is a passive interval since FAT is not an atrio-ventricular reentry. Therefore, during ventricular entrainment of a FAT, the stimulus-atrial (SA) interval will depend solely on the retrograde VA conduction time, if retrograde conduction exists. This retrograde conduction time is usually shorter than the VA Interval during tachycardia, thus being able to cause a negative SA-VA difference. This does not occur in other types of SVT, where the SA-VA difference helps to differential diagnosis, but positive values have been described. Purpose Our aim was to analyze whether the SA-VA value discriminates FAT from the other types of SVT, in patients with SVT and VA conduction when stimulating the ventricle during tachycardia. Methods Multicenter data of SVT entrainment were collected retrospectively, including FAT, atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). The numeric value of SA-VA difference was calculated for each case. The best SA-VA cut-off point for the diagnosis of TAF was determined, evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of this value for the diagnosis of TAF with respect to the gold standard (classical criteria). Results Continuous ventricular pacing during tachycardia succeeded in accelerating the atrium to the pacing rate in 80 cases out of the total studied cases: 32 (40%) AVNRT, 28 (35%) AVRT and 20 (25%) FAT. All FAT cases had a negative SA-VA value and all AVNRT and AVRT cases obtained positive SA-VA (Figure 1). SA-VA value lower than 0 ms was the best cut-off point (using ROC curve, Figure 2) with an area under the curve of 1. SA-VA difference lower than 0 ms (or negative SA-VA difference) showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of FAT. Conclusions Negative SA-VA difference is a new and accurate criterion for the diagnosis of focal atrial tachycardia.

Supraventricular tachycardia with alternating eccentric atrial activation: What is the mechanism?

We report an orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia using two alternating concealed left-sided accessory pathways. This case provides insights into the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia with alternating ventriculoatrial intervals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Importance of the Activation Sequence of the His or Right Bundle for Diagnosis of Complex Tachycardia Circuits.

In this review, we emphasize the unique value of recording the activation sequence of the His bundle or right bundle branch (RB) for diagnoses of various supraventricular and fascicular tachycardias. A close analysis of the His to RB (H-RB) activation sequence can help differentiate various forms of supraventricular tachycardias, namely atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia from concealed nodofascicular tachycardia, a common clinical dilemma. Furthermore, bundle branch reentry tachycardia and fascicular tachycardias often are included in the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy, and the use of this technique can help the operator make the distinction between supraventricular tachycardias and these other forms of ventricular tachycardias using the His-Purkinje system. We show that this technique is enhanced by the use of multipolar catheters placed to span the proximal His to RB position to record the activation sequence between proximal His potential to the distal RB potential. This allows the operator to fully analyze the activation sequence in sinus rhythm as compared to that during tachycardia and may help target ablation of these arrhythmias. We argue that 3 patterns of H-RB activation are commonly identified-the anterograde H-RB pattern, the retrograde H-RB (right bundle to His bundle) pattern, and the chevron H-RB pattern (simultaneous proximal His and proximal RB activation)-and specific arrhythmias tend to be associated with specific H-RB activation sequences. We show that being able to record and categorize this H-RB relationship can be instrumental to the operator, along with standard pacing maneuvers, to make an arrhythmia diagnosis in complex tachycardia circuits. We highlight the importance of H-RB activation patterns in these complex tachycardias by means of case illustrations from our groups as well as from prior reports.

Supraventriküler Taşikardilerin Ayırıcı Tanısında Yaş ve Cinsiyetin Önemi

Introduction: Many algorithms have been proposed for the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). However, the effect of these algorithms on different sex and age groups has not been investigated. Our aim in this study is to observe the distribution of known electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in different age and sex groups. Patients and Methods: The ECG parameters (during tachycardia) of 114 patients diagnosed with atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT) by electrophysiology or radiofrequency ablation were evaluated retrospectively. Results: For women, pseudo r'-waves in V1 and in aVR were significant in the AVNRT group (p< 0.05), whereas the QRS alternans was significant in the AVRT group (p< 0.05). In the AVNRT group, the ST depression in the right precordial leads was found to be significant in individuals aged < 60 years; the up-sloping ST depression was found to be a significant parameter for individuals aged > 60 years in the same group (p< 0.05). The mean ST depression amplitude was higher in the AVRT patients aged > 60 years than individuals aged < 60 years in the same group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that known ECG parameters differ according to age and gender. It was also demonstrated that age and gender may be included in the SVT differential diagnosis and algorithms.

Anterograde His bundle activation during right ventricular overdrive pacing in supraventricular tachycardia.

Differentiation between atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT), and atrial tachycardia (AT) is often challenging during electrophysiology studies. This study compared the sensitivity and specificity of identifying anterograde His bundle activation during entrainment with commonly used right ventricular (RV) pacing maneuvers to differentiate between these types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Out of 112 consecutive patients with SVT, 90 (36 males [40%], age 37 ± 16 years) were prospectively studied. After entrainment during RV pacing, atrial response upon cessation of pacing, anterograde His activation during entrainment, stimulus-atrial (SA), ventriculoatrial (VA) intervals, and post-pacing interval minus tachycardia cycle length (PPI-TCL) were determined. Ventricular extrastimulation during tachycardia and para-Hisian pacing were performed. The final diagnosis was AVNRT in 54, AVRT in 33, and AT in 3 patients. Entrainment was achieved in 87(96%) patients. Anterograde His bundle activation predicted AVRT (sensitivity: 62.5%, specificity: 100%). PPI-TCL ≥129ms predicted AVNRT (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 84%), as did SA-VA value ≥85ms (sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 87%). Atria were advanced during transition zone in 57% of AVRTs. Atrial pre-excitation in response to progressively premature ventricular extrastimuli identified AVRT (sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 85%). Pre-excitation index ≥87ms identified AVNRT (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 100%). Para-Hisian pacing identified AVRT (sensitivity: 25%, specificity: 100%). RV pacing maneuvers, applied in isolation, can misclassify a significant proportion of SVTs. Identifying anterograde His bundle activation during entrainment can complement other discriminators in differential diagnosis of SVT, with greatest sensitivity in septal and right-sided accessory pathways.

Atrial and ventricular activation sequence after ventricular induction/entrainment pacing during fast–slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: New insight into the use of V-A-A-V for the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia

The atrial and ventricular response observed immediately after cessation of ventricular induction/entrainment pacing is commonly analyzed to discriminate atrial tachycardia from other supraventricular tachycardias during electrophysiologic studies. However, the response in fast-slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (F/S-AVNRT) remains poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the atrial andventricular activation patterns after ventricular pacing in F/S-AVNRT. We enrolled 28 patients with F/S-AVNRT incorporating a typical slow pathway (typ-F/S-AVNRT) and 9 patients with F/S-AVNRT incorporating a superior slow pathway (sup-F/S-AVNRT). The V-A-A-V response was observed in 14 patients (38%) with F/S-AVNRT, more commonly in patients with sup-F/S-AVNRT than in those with typ-F/S-AVNRT (89% vs 21%, P = .0003). The underlying mechanisms included (1) a double atrial response (DAR) in 13 patients; (2) an anterograde block at the lower common pathway once after ventricular pacing in 2 patients; and (3) a pseudo-A-A-V response in 2 patients. The DAR was characterized by a V-A-A-V interatrial interval that was 55 ± 60 ms shorter than the tachycardia cycle length, whereas the block at the lower common pathway or infrahisian block had a V-A-A-V interatrial interval that was almost equal to or longer than the tachycardia cycle length. The V-A-A-V activation sequence immediately after ventricular induction/entrainment pacing is observed in patients with F/S-AVNRT, particularly in patients with sup-F/S-AVNRT, and is caused by multiple mechanisms, including a DAR, which is the major etiology.

Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Non-Reentrant Tachycardia in a Child Undergoing Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect

Paroxysmal non-reentrant supraventricular tachycardia due to double ventricular response through antegrade dual atrioventricular nodal pathways by a single atrial excitation has been reported in limited adult cases but not in pediatric patients with structurally normal hearts or with congenital heart defects. We report the case of a 5-year-old boy with non-reentrant double-ventricular response (DVR) supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) after repair of ventricular septal defect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first pediatric report about an electrophysiologic study and successful selective radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation for the slow pathway leading to tachyarrhythmia that is difficult to manage medically. In conclusion, non-reentrant DVR SVT is a rare form of tachycardia that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SVT in children after repair of congenital heart diseases. It is amenable to mapping and RF catheter ablation.

Differential Diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia with Ventriculoatrial Dissociation during Ventricular Overdrive Pacing

Case Presentation A 72-year-old man with a history of multiple episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia underwent electrophysiologic studies and a catheter ablation procedure. The 12-lead electrocardiogram during tachycardia showed long RP’ tachycardia with negative P waves in leads II, III, and aVF. Ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction with a shortest 1:1 pacing cycle length of 780 ms and earliest atrial activation at the ostium of coronary sinus was observed during ventricular overdrive pacing. A narrow QRS tachycardia documented previously was reproducibly induced by programmed atrial, though not ventricular, stimulation. During tachycardia, the His-atrial (HA) and atrial-His (AH) intervals were 381 and 156 ms, respectively. The atrial activation sequence during tachycardia seemed identical to that during ventricular pacing. A 2-mg bolus injection of adenosine triphosphate reproducibly terminated the tachycardia after a last ventricular event, following progressive prolongation of the atrial cycle length. Overdrive ventricular pacing for >30 seconds during tachycardia, at a cycle length 10‐30 ms shorter than the tachycardia cycle length, invariably caused VA dissociation without atrial capture or termination of the tachycardia (Fig. 1). What is the tachycardia mechanism? Comment

Identification of concealed posteroseptal Kent pathways by comparison of ventriculoatrial intervals from apical and posterobasal right ventricular sites.

The differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia with concentric atrial activation usually requires the inducibility of sustained tachycardia and needs a complex and time-consuming electrophysiological evaluation. To develop a simple test to establish if ventriculoatrial conduction uses a posteroseptal accessory pathway or the normal conduction system, we compared the ventriculoatrial intervals during right ventricular pacing from apical and posterobasal sites. Continuous pacing was performed from an apical and a posterobasal right ventricular site in 34 patients with retrograde conduction over the normal conduction system (group A) and in 22 patients with conduction over a posteroseptal accessory pathway (group B). During apical pacing, ventriculoatrial intervals in group A (176 +/- 40 milliseconds) were not significantly different than those in group B (197 +/- 47 milliseconds, P = NS). During posterobasal pacing, group B patients had significantly shorter ventriculoatrial intervals than group A patients (158 +/- 46 versus 197 +/- 39 milliseconds, P < .01). The difference between the ventriculoatrial interval obtained during apical pacing and that obtained during posterobasal pacing (ventriculoatrial index) discriminated between the two groups without overlapping: It was positive in all group B patients (39 +/- 19; range, +10 to +70 milliseconds) and negative in all except two group A patients (-21 +/- 13; range, -50 to +5 milliseconds; P < .001). This ventriculoatrial index can identify accurately and in the absence of tachycardia whether concentric retrograde conduction is proceeding over a posteroseptal accessory pathway or over the normal conduction system.

Supraventricular Tachycardia in Patients Without Overt Preexcitation

In this article, the authors discuss the features and differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia with a regular ventricular rate that occurs in patients without overt preexcitation during sinus rhythm. In the authors' experience, the two most common mechanisms of these tachycardias are reentry within the atrioventricular node (AV nodal reentry) and atrioventricular reentry using a concealed accessory pathway for retrograde conduction and the AV node/His-Purkinje system for antegrade conduction (AV reentry). Sinus nodal reentry, intra-atrial reentry, automatic atrial tachycardia, and nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia account for the remaining episodes of regular supraventricular tachycardia. Therapy for AV and AV nodal reentry is also discussed.