Wide complex tachycardias examples: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==


Shown below are examples of wide complex tachycardias and their diagnosis:
Shown below are examples of wide complex tachycardias and their diagnosis.
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'''Case 1:'''
'''Case 1:'''

Revision as of 17:00, 3 August 2013

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Shown below are examples of wide complex tachycardias and their diagnosis.


Case 1: VT with right bundle branch block morphology:


Case 2: Shown below is a patient with sinus tachycardia and WPW which mimics VT:

ECG pedia suggests the 7 + 2 method to interpret the above EKG:

Rhythm

  • This is a regular rhythm and every QRS complex is preceded by a p wave. The p wave is positive in II,III, and AVF and thus originates from the sinus node. Conclusion: sinus rhythm.

Rate

  • Use the 'count the squares' method (a bit less than 3 large squares ~> 300-150-100), thus about 110 bpm and thus sinustachycardia.

Conduction (PQ,QRS,QT)

  • PQ-interval=0.10sec (2.5 small squares), QRS duration=0.10sec, QT interval=320ms

Axis

  • Positive in I, II, negative in III and AVF. Thus a horizontal (normal) heart axis.

P wave morphology

  • The p wave is rather large in II, but does not fulfill the criteria for right atrial dilatation.

QRS morphology

  • The QRS shows a slurred upstroke or delta wave.

ST morphology

  • Negative T wave in I and AVF. Flat ST in V3-V5.

Compare with the old ECG (not available, so skip this step)


Case 3 Shown below is a wide complex tachycardia:

A broad complex tachycardia at a rate of 160/min with a RBBB configuration is present. The following findings favor VT as a diagnosis:

  • Extreme right axis deviation. Both I and avF are downward.
  • AV dissociaiton

7.5 mg verapamil was administered, which slowed the VT, and AV dissociation is now more apparent:

Ultimately converted the patient to sinus rhythm:


References