A new ECG sign of an accessory pathway in sinus rhythm: pseudo partial right bundle branch block. Issue 2 (1st August 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lau, E W; Ng, G A; Griffith, M J
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 82:Issue 2(1999)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 1999-08-01
• Subjects: accessory pathway -- sinus rhythm -- pseudo right bundle branch block; Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.82.2.244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : It is clinically important to be able to detect the presence of an accessory pathway, as pre-excited atrial fibrillation is a well recognised cause of sudden cardiac death, for which there is a potential "cure" in the form of radiofrequency ablation of the pathway. The classic manifestations such as a shortened PR interval or delta waves may not always be present. In certain patients a pseudo partial right bundle block pattern—that is, an rSr′ complex in lead V1— may be the sole manifestation of a left sided accessory pathway. An electrophysiological mechanism is proposed for this pattern and it is suggested that this pattern may be used as a new ECG sign for diagnosing an accessory pathway in sinus rhythm.