Enterocolitis necrosante posterior a evento aislado de taquicardia supraventricular: reporte de un caso de presentación neonatal atípica / Necrotizing enterocolitis after an isolated event of supraventricular tachycardia. Case report of atypical neonatal presentation

La taquicardia supraventricular (TSV) es la principal taquiarritmia en el recién nacido (RN) que requiere una resolución urgente. Por su parte, la enterocolitis necrosante (ECN) es la emergencia gastrointestinal más común que afecta principalmente a RN prematuros. Aunque estas se reconocen como patologías distintas, la bibliografía sugiere que los episodios de TSV pueden predisponer a los pacientes a la ECN a través de alteraciones en el flujo sanguíneo mesentérico y una disminución de la perfusión tisular. Se presenta aquí el caso clínico de un neonato prematuro que desarrolló un cuadro de ECN luego de un evento aislado de TSV con bajo gasto cardíaco

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the main tachyarrhythmia in the newborn (NB) that requires urgent resolution. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency that mainly affects premature infants. Although these conditions are recognized as distinct pathologies, literature reports suggest that episodes of SVT may predispose patients to NEC secondary to disturbances in mesenteric blood flow and a decrease in tissue perfusion. We present here the clinical case of a premature neonate who developed NEC after an isolated SVT event with low cardiac output

Enfoque en el diagnóstico diferencial de las taquicardias paroxísticas supraventriculares en el Laboratorio de electrofisiología / Differential diagnosis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia at the electrophysiology laboratory

Resumen: Las taquicardias paroxísticas supraventriculares son arritmias frecuentes y producen importante morbilidad. El estudio electrofisiológico permite hacer el diagnóstico su mecanismo para luego realizar la ablación. El diagnóstico no siempre es sencillo y se debe recurrir a múltiples observaciones y maniobras para alcanzarlo. En la siguiente revisión se discuten los principales criterios usados para el diagnóstico del mecanismo de estas taquicardias durante un estudio electrofisiológico.

Abstract: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias are frequently observed arrhythmias associated to significant morbidity. Electrophysiological study allows the diagnosis of the mechanisms underlying the arrhythmia leading toblation. The diagnosis is not always easy and multiple observations and maneuvers are required to uncover it. In the following review, the main criteria used to diagnose the mechanisms of these tachycardias during an electrophysiological study are discussed.

Diagnóstico diferencial de las taquicardias de complejo ancho: un desafío permanente / Wide QRS tachycardia: a diagnostic challenge

El diagnóstico electrocardiográfico correcto de la causa de una taquicardia de complejo QRS ancho (TCA) es fundamental, ya que tanto el manejo, como el pronóstico del paciente, es diferente según su etiología, y define el estudio que debemos realizar. Numerosos criterios y algoritmos han sido descritos para diferenciar el origen de estas taquicardias. Sin embargo, muchos de estos son complejos y difíciles de aplicar para el médico menos experimentado. Esto es particularmente importante en los servicios de emergencia, donde se necesita una definición rápida que permita un manejo agudo apropiado. En la presente revisión analizamos los diferentes mecanismos de las TCA y los principales criterios diagnósticos en el ECG, reforzando, especialmente, aquellos de aplicación rápida y de alto rendimiento diagnóstico.

The correct electrocardiographic diagnosis of the cause of a wide QRS complex tachycardia (WCT) is essential since both management and prognosis of the patient. The correct electrocardiographic diagnosis of the cause of a wide QRS complex tachycardia (WCT) is essential since both management and prognosis is different according to its etiology and defines the study that we should perform. Numerous criteria and algorithms have been described to differentiate the origin of these tachycardias. However, many of these are complex and difficult to apply to the less experienced doctor. This is particularly important in emergency rooms, where a rapid definition is needed to allow proper therapy. In this review we analyze the different mechanisms of WCT and the main EKG diagnostic criteria, emphasizing those which can be applied rapidly and have high diagnostic value.

Reconhecimento e tratamento de taquicardia atrial reentrante atípica baseada pelo mapeamento eletroanatômico / Identifying and treating atypical reentrant atrial tachycardia based on electroanatomic mapping

Introdução: Alguns estudos têm demonstrado a utilidade do mapa de ativação para guiar a ablação de taquicardias atriais reentrantes atípicas em populações pequenas e heterogêneas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a utilidade do mapeamento eletroanatômico em caracterizar e auxiliar a ablação de taquicardias atriais reentrantes pela localização do istmo protegido. Método: O estudo incluiu 9 pacientes consecutivos portadores de taquicardias atriais encaminhados a nossa instituição para ablação por cateter. Em todos, usou-se o mapeamento eletroanatômico (CARTO-3). Cicatrizes foram consideradas áreas com voltagem bipolar < 0,5 mV. De acordo com o mapa de ativação, reentrada foi definida pelo critério early-meet-late e focal, pela ativação centrífuga.Embora não tenha sido usado para guiar a ablação, o encarrilhamento foi usado em taquicardias atriais com ciclo > 250 ms para correlação com istmo crítico do mapa de ativação. O alvo para ablação foi o istmo ou foco crítico encontrado no mapa de ativação, com o objetivo imediato de reversão da taquicardia e não de indução ao final do procedimento. Os pacientes foram acompanhados a cada 6 meses e as recorrências foram definidas por taquicardias atriais sustentadas sintomáticas. Resultados: No total, 14 taquicardias atriais foram induzidas e todas foram revertidas pela ablação guiada pelo mapa de ativação. O átrio esquerdo foi envolvido em 8 taquicardias e o direito, em 6. Em todos os pacientes encontrou-se cicatriz no átrio envolvido com o local crítico da arritmia. No acompanhamento médio de 12 meses, 2 pacientes apresentaram recorrência. Conclusão: A ablação por cateter guiada pelo mapeamento eletroanatômico foi efetiva no controle de taquicardias atriais reentrantes, constituindo ferramenta útil para o tratamento dessas arritmias complexas. A definição do mecanismo da taquicardia e dos componentes de seu circuito, em especial o istmo protegido, confere maior sucesso terapêutico.

Background: Some studies have demonstrated the value of activation maps to guide ablation in atypical reentry atrial tachycardias in small and heterogeneous populations. This study was aimed at evaluating the ability of electroanatomic mapping to characterize and guide the ablation of reentrant atrial tachycardia locating the protected isthmus. Method: Nine consecutive patients with atrial tachycardia were consecutively referred to catheter ablation. Electroanatomic mapping (CARTO-3) was used in all patients. Scars were defined by areas with bipolar voltage < 0.5 mV. According to the activation map, reentry was defined by the early-meet-late criteria and focal was defined by centrifugal activation. Although entrainment was not used to guide the ablation, it was used in atrial tachycardia with cycle length > 250 ms for correlation with critical isthmus in the activation map. Ablation target was defined as critical isthmus or focus in the activation map. The immediate objective was to revert, and not induce, tachycardia at the end of the procedure. The patients were followed every 6 months and recurrences were defined by symptomatic sustained atrial tachycardia. Results: Fourteen atrial tachycardias were induced and all were reversed by ablation guided by the activation map. The left atrium was involved in 8 atrial tachycardias and the right atrium in 6. In all patients, a scar was identified in the atrium involved with the critical isthmus. In the mean follow-up of 12 months, 2 patients had recurrences. Conclusion: Catheter ablation guided by electroanatomic mapping was effective in controlling reentrant atrial tachycardia and is a useful tool for the treatment of complex arrhythmias. The definition of the mechanism of atrial tachycardia and its arrhythmogenic circuit components, in particular the protected isthmus, provides greater therapeutic success.

Fibrilação atrial durante taquicardia por reentrada nodal atrioventricular: achado sugestivo da presença de via superiorcomum nodal / Atrial fibrillation during atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia: a suggestive finding favoring the presence of the upper common nodal pathway

Na taquicardia por reentrada nodal atrioventricular, a necessidade do átrio para a manutenção da taquicardia é controverso. Descrevemos um caso de fibrilação atrial ocorrendo durante taquicardia por reentrada nodal atrioventricular sem afetar o ciclo da arritmia, e discutimos as evidências favorecendo a presença de umavia comum superior.

In Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia the requirement of the atrium for the maintenance oftachycardia is controversial. We describe a case of atrial fibrillation that occurred during Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia without affecting the arrhythmia cycle, and discuss the evidences favoring the presence ofan upper common pathway.

Recomendaciones para el tratamiento de urgencia de las taquicardias supraventriculares en edad pediátrica / Recommendations for emergency treatment of supraventricular tachycardia at pediatric ages

Las taquicardias supraventriculares son las arritmias sintomáticas más comunes en edad pediátrica. Obedecen a diferentes condiciones fisiopatológicas que resultan en patrones electrocardiográficos semejantes. Como el mecanismo de la arritmia durante la urgencia es con frecuencia desconocido, el tratamiento agudo al niño que se presenta en esta condición, puede ser un reto. Sin embargo, la estrategia de tratamiento depende fundamentalmente del estado clínico del paciente en el momento de la presentación, y no de una apreciación electrocardiográfica sujeta a errores. El presente artículo tiene el propósito de incrementar los conocimientos acerca de las taquicardias supraventriculares entre los médicos vinculados a la atención pediátrica, mediante una revisión, que enfocada en la edad, trata sus presentaciones más frecuentes, aspectos del diagnóstico y el tratamiento

Supraventricular tachycardia is one of the most common symptomatic arrhythmias at pediatric ages. It responds to different physiopathological conditions that result in similar electrocardiographic patterns. Since the arrhythmia mechanism in emergency situation is frequently unknown, the acute treatment of a child with this condition can be a real challenge. However, the therapeutic strategy mainly depends on the clinical state of the patient at the time of presentation rather than on an electrocardiographic consideration that may be influenced by errors. The present paper was aimed at raising the level of knowledge about supraventricular tachycardia in those physicians linked to pediatric care, by means of an age-focused review that deals with the most frequent ways of presentation, diagnostic aspects and treatment of supraventricular tachycardia

The diagnostic significance of NT-proBNP and troponin I in emergency department patients presenting with palpitations

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study investigated the diagnostic significance of the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic (NT-proBNP) and troponin I peptides in emergency department patients presenting with palpitations. METHODS: Two groups of patients with palpitations but without documented supraventricular tachycardia were compared: a group with supraventricular tachycardia (n = 49) and a control group (n = 47). Both groups were diagnosed using electrophysiological studies during the study period. Blood samples were obtained from all of the patients to determine the NT-proBNP and troponin I levels within the first hour following arrival in the emergency department. RESULT: The mean NT-proBNP levels were 207.74±197.11 in supraventricular tachyarrhythmia group and 39.99±32.83 pg/mL in control group (p<0.001). To predict supraventricular tachycardia, the optimum NT-proBNP threshold was 61.15 pg/mL, as defined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, with a non-significant area under the ROC curve of 0.920 (95% CI, 0.86-0.97, p<0.001). The NT-proBNP cut-off for diagnosing supraventricular tachycardia had 81.6% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity. Supraventricular tachycardia was significantly more frequent in the patients with NT-proBNP levels ≥61.15 pg/mL (n = 44, 90.9%, p>0.001). The mean troponin I levels were 0.17±0.56 and 0.01±0.06 pg/mL for the patients with and without supraventricular tachycardia, respectively (p<0.05). Of the 96 patients, 21 (21.87%) had troponin I levels ≥0.01: 2 (4.25%) in the control group and 19 (38.77%) in the supraventricular tachycardia group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Troponin I and, in particular, NT-proBNP peptide were helpful for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia from non- supraventricular tachycardia palpitations. Further randomized, large, multicenter trials are needed to define the benefit and diagnostic ...

Electrocardiographic artefacts mimicking atrial tachycardia resulted in unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures

Electrocardiographic (ECG) artefacts may closely simulate both supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias. We describe a case initially diagnosed as rapid atrial fibrillation, based on 12-lead surface ECG (especially the limb leads) and monitor tracing. The arrhythmia was resistant to beta blockers. Because of the at times apparently regular rhythm, an esophageal ECG recording was performed, and adenosine was administered. When the presumed atrial fibrillation terminated after sodium pentothal was administered while preparing for electrical cardioversion, the oesophageal ECG recordings and the ECGs during adenosine administration were reviewed. An ECG artefact diagnosis was suspected, and then confirmed, during relapse of the "arrhythmia," with simple palpation of the radial pulse and cardiac auscultation.

Taquicardias supraventriculares na sala de emergência: uma revisão para o clínico / Supraventricular tachycardia in emergency room: a review for the clinician

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As taquicardias supraventriculares (TSV) são arritmias frequentes no setor de urgência e emergência. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar a abordagem diagnóstica inicial e a terapêutica das TSV. CONTEÚDO: As taquicardias com complexo "QRS" estreito (< 120 ms) e frequência cardíaca superior a 150 bpm devem receber especial atenção do emergencista. Após avaliação clínica inicial, o médico deve identificar e tratar possíveis causas associadas e monitorizar o paciente. Na presença de instabilidade hemodinâmica, a cardioversão el¨¦trica sincronizada deve ser prontamente realizada.Caso contrário, um eletrocardiograma de 12 derivações fornecer subsídios para uma análise mais precisa do ritmo, guiando o tratamento mais adequado para cada tipo específico de taquicardia. Em algumas situações, a avaliação do especialista deve ser considerada. CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento das recomendações na abordagem das TSV é essencial para o médico emergencista. Cardioversão elétrica deve ser realizada em todos os pacientes instáveis e medidas para o tratamento da causa e terapia elétrica e/ou farmacológica devem ser consideradas nas diferentes situações clinicas e eletrocardiográficas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) arrhythmias are common in the emergency room. This study aimed to review the initial diagnosis and treatmentof SVT. CONTENTS: The complex tachycardias with "QRS" narrow (< 120 ms) and heart rate ¡Ý 150 bpm should receive special attention of the emergency. After initial clinical evaluation, the clinician should identify and treat possible associated causes and monitor the patient. In the presence of hemodynamic instability, synchronized electrical cardioversion should be performed promptly. Otherwise, a 12-lead electrocardiogram provide subsidies to a more precise analysis of rhythm, guiding the most appropriate treatment for each specific type of tachycardia. In some situations, the expert assessment should be considered. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the recommendations in addressing SVT is essential for the emergency physician. Electrical cardioversion should be performed in all patients and unstable measures to treat and cause electrical therapy and/or drugs hould be considered in different clinical situations and electrocardiographic.

Disritmias cardíacas e anestesia / Cardiac dysrhythmias and anesthesia / Arritmias cardíacas y anestesia

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As disritmias são complicações relativamente comuns no período perioperatório, devendo ser diagnosticadas e adequadamente tratadas pelo anestesiologista quando houver indicação para tal. Este artigo foi elaborado com o objetivo de revisar os aspectos mais relevantes das disritmias cardíacas para o anestesiologista, bem como estabelecer relação de causa e efeito entre os fármacos utilizados no período perioperatório e as disritmias. CONTEÚDO: São apresentados neste artigo os mecanismos das disritmias, os fármacos que potencialmente causam disritmias, além do diagnóstico e tratamento no período perioperatório. CONCLUSÕES: As disritmias que ocorrem no período perioperatório muitas vezes não demandam tratamento e, em outras tantas, o tratamento pode gerar uma verdadeira iatrogenia. Portanto, o conhecimento das disritmias cardíacas e dos fatores que podem desencadeá-las possibilita ao anestesiologista melhor abordagem perioperatória, evitando tratamentos equivocados ou desnecessários.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac dysrhythmias are relatively common in the perioperative period and should be adequately diagnosed and treated by the anesthesiologist whenever indicated. The objective of this article was to review the most relevant aspects of cardiac dysrhythmias, as well as establishing the cause-effect relationship between drugs used in the perioperative period and dysrhythmias. CONTENTS: The mechanisms of dysrhythmias, drugs that can potentially cause dysrhythmias, besides diagnosis and treatment in the perioperative period are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative dysrhythmias oftentimes do not require treatment and in others the treatment can generate iatrogenicity. Therefore, the knowledge of cardiac dysrhythmias and triggering factors allows a better approach of the perioperative period by the anesthesiologist avoiding wrong or unnecessary treatment.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Las arritmias son complicaciones relativamente comunes en el período perioperatorio, y deben ser diagnosticadas y tratadas adecuadamente por el anestesiólogo cuando exista la indicación. Este artículo fue elaborado con el objetivo de revisar los aspectos más relevantes de las arritmias cardíacas para el anestesiólogo, y también para establecer una relación de causa y efecto entre los fármacos utilizados en el período perioperatorio y las arritmias. CONTENIDO: Están presentes en este artículo, los mecanismos de las arritmias, los fármacos que potencialmente causan esas arritmias, además del diagnóstico y del tratamiento en el período perioperatorio. CONCLUSIONES: Las arritmias que ocurren en el período perioperatorio, muchas veces no exigen tratamiento y en otras tantas, el tratamiento puede generar una verdadera iatrogenia. Por tanto, el conocimiento de las arritmias cardíacas y de los factores que pueden desencadenarlas, le posibilita al anestesiólogo un mejor abordaje perioperatorio, evitando así los tratamientos equivocados o innecesarios.

Diagnóstico diferencial e tratamento das taquicardias com QRS largo / Differential diagnosis and management od wide QRS complex tachycardias

A ocorrência de taquicardias supraventriculares com complexo QRS largo no pronto-socorro é frequente e as decisões diagnósticas e terapêuticas, por vezes, têm que ser assumidas de imediato. O diagnóstico diferencial alargados e taquicardia ventricular é fundamental para o adequado tratamento. Assim, os principais aspectos do diagnóstico diferencial entre as taquicardias com complexos QRS largos são abordados, enfatizando aberrância por distúrbio da condução intraventricular como o bloqueio de ramo, as taquicardias em portadores de pré-excitação e a taquicardia ventricular. Faz-se um destaque de algumas formas de taquiarritmias, principalmente a fibrilação atrial, o flutter atrial, a taquicardia atrial ectópica e a taquicardia fascicular, sempre com a exibição eletrocardiográfica de complexos QRS largos. Finalmente, descreve-se o tratamento mais adequado no pronto-socorro, sempre com base nas evidências mais recentes, listando os agentes antiarrítmicos mais conhecidos e suas respectivas indicações e doses.

Necesidad de estimulación ventricular rápida en la inducción de taquicardia por reentrada del nodo aurículo-ventricular: Caso clínico / Requirement of fast ventricular stimulation to induce atrio ventricular nodal tachycardia: Report of one case

We report a 59 year-old woman who had recurrent episodes of paroxystic supraventricular tachycardia despite pharmacologic therapy. A previous electrophysiological study (EPS) was done two years earlier without induction of any sustained arrhythmia. A new EPS was performed, during which atrial and ventricular programmed stimulation failed to induce tachycardia, and only by fast ventricular stimulation during intravenous isoproterenol infusion, a typical atrio ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) was induced. We successfully ablated the slow nodal pathway. After ablation the tachycardia was not inducible. We comment the occasional difficulties to induce AVNRT and the importance of a complete induction protocol to avoid false negative studies during the EPS.

Forma isolada do miocárdio não-compactado / Isolated noncompaction of the myocardium

Miocárdio não-compactado (MNC) é uma cardiopatia congênita com incidência rara, sendo o seu primeiro relato feito há 15 anos e com poucos casos publicados. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever um caso de MNC. É apresentada descrição dos achados clínicos e dos exames complementares de imagem de uma paciente com 37 anos, portadora de MNC de forma isolada. A paciente queixava-se de palpitações, apresentava extra-sístoles no exame clínico e, no eletrocardiograma de 12 derivações, bigeminismo ventricular. Realizou ecocardiograma Doppler tridimensional que revelou a presença de numerosas e proeminentes trabéculas com recessos intertrabeculares profundos com fluxo de sangue que se comunicavam com a cavidade ventricular e que se acentuavam na região septo-apical. A ressonância nuclear magnética de coração corroborou os achados do ecocardiograma. A clínica e os resultados dos exames complementares dessa paciente confirmaram o diagnóstico de MNC de forma isolada. O conhecimento de achados ecocardiográficos dessa doença permite um diagnóstico precoce e tratamento mais adequado.

Noncompacted myocardium (NCM) is a rare congenital heart disease, first reported 15 years ago and with only a few published cases. In this paper, we report the main clinical findings and the complementary exams that suports NCM diagnostic. Discretion of anamnesis and physical examination, together with characteristic image complementary exams findings of symptomatic NCM. (Case report). The clinical assessment and the electrocardiogram at the admission found bigeminism ventricular. A tridimensional Doppler echocardiogram was performed and showed numerous and prominent myocardium trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recess filled with blood that communicate with the ventricular cavity, more present in the septal-apical area. Magnetic resonance imaging supported the echocardiographic findings and ruled out the presence of others cardiac malformations. The clinical and imaging complementary exams filled out the touchstones that support isolated NCM diagnose. Is important to know that suggestive NCM findings permits an earlier diagnostic and treatment.

Supraventricular tachycardia in children.

Several different mechanisms are responsible for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in children. Different forms of tachycardia occur at different age. Atrio-ventricular reentry tachycardia results from the presence of congenital atrio-ventricular bypass tracts and is frequently encountered at all ages. Infants may present with ectopic atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter. Atrio-ventricular node reentry tachycardia becomes more frequent in adolescence. Atrial scarring resulting from open heart surgery predisposes to complex intra-atrial reentry. Certain forms of congenital and acquired heart disease are associated with specific types of arrhythmia. Many children with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia do not require any therapy. The decision to proceed with treatment should be based on the frequency and severity of symptoms and on the effect of arrhythmia on the quality of life. Infants require medical treatment because of the difficulty to recognize symptoms of tachycardia and a risk of heart failure. Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome as well as those with significant heart disease are at risk of sudden death. Syncope in children with paroxysmal tachycardia may indicate a severe fall in cardiac output from extremely rapid heart rate. Patients with potentially life-threatening arrhythmia should not participate in competitive physical activities. Treatment options have undergone significant evolution over the past decade. Indications for the use of specific antiarrhythmic medications have been refined. Contemporary catheter ablation procedures employ different forms of energy allowing for safe and effective procedures. Catheter ablation is the treatment of choice for symptomatic paroxysmal tachycardia in school children and in some infants who failed medical treatment. Surgery is the preferred treatment in few selected cases. The goal of this review is to present the state of the art approach to the diagnosis and management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in infants, children and adolescents.

Massive left atrial appendage aneurysm presenting as supraventricular tachycardia.

Left atrial appendage aneurysm is a rarely reported condition. Symptoms are absent in childhood and diagnosis is usually incidental. Systemic embolization or arrhythmia can bring these cases to medical attention. We report the case of a 12-year-old male with massive left atrial appendage aneurysm who presented with effort intolerance and supraventricular arrhythmia. The diagnosis was made by transthoracic echocardiography. Magnetic resonance imaging and left atriogram were also done before surgical resection.