067 COMPARATIVE ACCURACY OF STANDARD ECG ALGORITHMS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF BROAD COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA IN CASES OF ATRIAL FLUTTER WITH 1:1 CONDUCTION. (24th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nathwani, V N; Wong, K W; Jones, M J; Hayes, C H; Rajappan, K R; Betts, T B; Bashir, Y B
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 99(2013)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A44
• Page End: A44
• Publication Date: 2013-05-24
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2013-304019.67
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Atrial flutter with 1:1 conduction often presents with broad complex tachycardia (BCT), commonly misdiagnosed as ventricular tachycardia (VT). The utility of standard ECG algorithms for classification of BCT has not been evaluated in this subgroup. Methods: 25 patients had confirmed atrial flutter with 1:1 conduction presenting as BCT. 12/25 (48%) were taking class I agents. The 12-lead ECGs were independently classified as 'SVT' or 'VT' by two blinded electrophysiologists, using five established BCT algorithms: Wellens et al 1978; Brugada et al 1991; Griffith et al 1994; Vereckei et al 2008; Pava et al 2010. Results: Mean ventricular rate 219±34 bpm, LBBB pattern in 19/25 (76%), QRS duration >140 ms in 20/25 (80%) and left axis deviation in 14/25 (56%) patients. Possible (but not definite) VA-dissociation was noted in 10 cases (40%).There was close inter-observer agreement. The results of the ECG analysis were: There was a high rate of mis-classification as VT by all algorithms except Pava (R wave peak time at DII or RWPT) which correctly identified the origin in 76% of cases. Conclusions: Atrial flutter presenting with 1:1 conduction and BCT is often mistaken for VT and 'pseudo-VA dissociation' is relatively common. Standard ECG algorithms are relatively inaccurate in this subgroup, except for RWPT which identified the supraventricular origin in 76% of cases. A high level of vigilance is necessary to make the correct diagnosis