Reentrant tachycardia associated with atrial synchronous pacing. Report of a case with intact ventriculoatrial conduction

Mayo Clin Proc. 1983 Sep;58(9):620-3.

Abstract

Reentrant tachycardia occurred after implantation of an atrial synchronous ventricular-inhibited pacemaker in a patient with bradycardia caused by second-degree (Mobitz II) atrioventricular block. Despite the presence of antegrade atrioventricular block, intact ventriculoatrial conduction was present at a cycle length that exceeded the atrial refractory period of the pacemaker. Consequently, a reentrant or "endless-loop" tachycardia occurred. Application of a magnet terminated the tachycardia. Because the episodes were frequent and could not be prevented by medication, the pacemaker was reprogrammed to a ventricular-inhibited mode. All candidates for atrial synchronous pacing should undergo an appropriate electrophysiologic study preoperatively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology
  • Bradycardia / etiology
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Block / complications
  • Heart Block / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia / etiology*