Challenges in Narrow QRS Complex Tachycardia Interpretation

Abstract

Several arrhythmogenic substrates may generate narrow QRS complex tachycardia, frequently encountered in clinical practice. Some narrow QRS complex tachycardias, however, are sustained by an uncommon arrhythmogenic mechanism. Although rare, these forms should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis and improper patient management. Dual atrioventricular node physiology can be responsible for different uncommon forms of narrow QRS complex tachycardia, also nonreentrant in mechanism. A ventricular origin also is possible, if the tachycardia site is located in the upper ventricular septum with fast ventricular propagation to the specific conduction system and narrowing of the QRS complex.

Keywords: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia; Dual atrioventricular node pathway; Inappropriate sinus tachycardia; Junctional tachycardia; Narrow QRS complex tachycardia; Ventricular tachycardia.