Central venous catheter-induced atrial ectopic tachycardia with reverse alternating Wenckebach periods.

Abstract

A centrally inserted venous catheter may cause atrial ectopic tachycardia. The association of atrial ectopic tachycardia with spontaneous reverse alternating Wenckebach periodicity has rarely been reported. We describe a 4-year-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot who developed atrial ectopic tachycardia with reverse alternating Wenckebach periods postoperatively after central venous catheter placement. All such episodes emerged from a 3:2 atrioventricular block, followed by runs of 2:1 atrioventricular block with progressive shortening of the conducted PR intervals. Normal sinus rhythm returned after the catheter was withdrawn to the superior vena cava. Reverse alternating Wenckebach periodicity may be a tachycardia-dependent physiologic phenomenon.

• Authors: M H Lin, M L Young, N K Wang, C T Shen
• Journal: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi (J Formos Med Assoc) Vol. 100 Issue 1 Pg. 50-2 (Jan 2001) ISSN: 0929-6646 [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 11265262 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Catheterization, Central Venous (adverse effects)
• Child, Preschool
• Electrocardiography
• Humans
• Male
• Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial (etiology)