Open AccessAccelerated idioventricular rhythm detected during elective surgery in a healthy man
Author(s) -
Lew David C.,
Keim Stephen G.,
Curtis Anne B.
Publication year - 1991
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.4960140913
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , rhythm , sinus rhythm , cardiology , heart rate , junctional rhythm , electrocardiography , normal sinus rhythm , anesthesia , atrial fibrillation , blood pressure
Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) is found most commonly in the presence of underlying heart disease. It is characterized by acceleration of a latent pacemaker that normally depolarizes slowly. We describe a 30‐year‐old man who was found to have episodes of accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) on cardiac monitoring during elective orthopedic surgery. Noninvasive evaluation including two‐dimensional echocardiography was unremarkable. No late potentials were detected on a signal‐averaged electrocardiogram. During an exercise tolerance test, AIVR was suppressed as heart rate increased. A 24‐h Holter monitor revealed that the AIVR rate was consistently 73‐76 beats/min, which appeared whenever the sinus rate slowed to this level. The patient has been asymptomatic, and the rhythm has persisted at least through a 5‐month follow‐up period.