Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia induced by left ventriculography during diagnostic catheterisation: a rare event

Cardiovasc J Afr. 2008 Jan-Feb;19(1):31-2.

Abstract

Pacemaker-mediated tachycardia (PMT) is an arrhythmia seen in patients implanted with dual-chamber pacemakers. It occurs when ventricular contraction is followed by retrograde conduction to the atrium, which is sensed by the pacemaker, leading to ventricular triggering. A vicious re-entry cycle is set up, leading to incessant tachycardia unless appropriately terminated. A common precipitant is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). Although PVCs are frequently generated during ventriculography, PMT is an extremely rare event during cardiac catheterisation despite the fact that a large number of patients with implanted pacemakers do undergo the procedure. We report on a case and hope to highlight the possibility of PMT occurring during catheterisation, as well on therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / blood
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / surgery
  • Atrioventricular Block / blood
  • Atrioventricular Block / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiac Catheterization / adverse effects
  • Gated Blood-Pool Imaging / adverse effects
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Radiography
  • Tachycardia / blood
  • Tachycardia / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia / etiology*