Fetal permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia with dilated cardiomyopathy, normal heart rate and transient fetal hydrops; a case report

J Electrocardiol. 2023 Jul-Aug:79:35-37. doi: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.02.005. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Abstract

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is a rare form of congenital arrhythmia occurring predominantly in infants and children. Prenatal presentation is frequently characterized by incessant tachycardia leading to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Some patients can have a normal heart rate which leads to a delayed diagnosis. We report a case of a neonate who was presented prenatally with DCM, fetal hydrops, and no signs of fetal arrhythmia. Diagnosis of PJRT was established after delivery with characteristic electrocardiographic patterns. Successful conversion to sinus rhythm with digoxin and amiodarone was achieved three months later. At 16 months of age, both echocardiography and electrocardiography were normal.

Keywords: Dilated cardiomyopathy; Fetal arrhythmia; Fetal hydrops; Neonate; Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / complications
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* / diagnosis
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Child
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hydrops Fetalis / diagnosis
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Tachycardia, Reciprocating* / complications
  • Tachycardia, Reciprocating* / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Reciprocating* / surgery
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular*