Accelerated idioventricular rhythm in newborns: a worrisome but benign entity with or without congenital heart disease

Pediatr Cardiol. 2008 Mar;29(2):457-62. doi: 10.1007/s00246-007-9024-z. Epub 2007 Aug 9.

Abstract

Broad QRS rhythms (fast and slow) are worrisome findings in newborns. We present five cases with varied clinical presentations found to have broad QRS tachycardias, consistent with idioventricular rhythms. Each patient had an excellent prognosis because the tachycardias resolved, and eventually the patients were in sinus rhythm. None were symptomatic from their arrhythmia. It is important to establish the diagnosis when it occurs to differentiate this benign phenomenon from dangerous ventricular tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm / diagnosis
  • Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm / etiology*
  • Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology*
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male