Open AccessPseudo P waves: A cause of diagnostic confusion in wide QRS tachycardia
Author(s) -
Chapman P. D.,
Wetherbee J. N.,
Troup P. J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960090107
Subject(s) - medicine , confusion , tachycardia , qrs complex , cardiology , ventricular tachycardia , supraventricular tachycardia , electrocardiography , t wave , psychology , psychoanalysis
A patient with wide QRS tachycardia is described. His initial electrocardiogram revealed P waves in lead V 1 that led to a diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia. Subsequently, during an electrophysiology study, the tachycardia was reproduced and documented to be ventricular in origin. The P waves seen were actually part of the QRS complex and therefore pseudo P waves. The correct diagnosis of the arrhythmia allowed for more appropriate therapy for the patient. This case illustrates that pseudo P waves may be present on the surface electrocardiogram and confuse the diagnosis of wide QRS tachycardia.