Differentiating Types of Wide-Complex Tachycardia to Determine Appropriate Treatment in the Emergency Department

Emerg Med Pract. 2015 Jul;17(7):1-22; quiz 22-3. Epub 2015 Jul 1.

Abstract

Wide-complex tachycardia is a rare disease entity among patients presenting to the emergency department. However, due to its potential life-threatening nature, emergency clinicians must know how to assess and manage this condition. Wide-complex tachycardia encompasses a range of cardiac dysrhythmias, some of which can be difficult to distinguish and may require specific treatment approaches. This review summarizes the etiology and pathophysiology of wide-complex tachycardia, describes the differential diagnosis, and presents an evidence-based approach to identification of the different types of tachycardias through the use of a thorough history and physical examination, vagal maneuvers, electrocardiography, and adenosine. The treatment options and disposition for patients with various wide-complex tachycardias are also discussed, with attention to special circumstances and select controversial/contemporary topics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology*
  • Brugada Syndrome
  • Cardiac Conduction System Disease
  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / methods*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Heart Conduction System / abnormalities*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia* / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia* / physiopathology
  • Tachycardia* / therapy