Paradoxical effects of interatrial conduction delay in a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patient in the long-term: time is a great healer

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2011 May;22(5):587-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2010.01893.x. Epub 2010 Aug 31.

Abstract

We present a unique case where early proarrhythmic and late antiarrhythmic characteristics of interatrial conduction delay were observed during the long-term progression of HCM. Occurrence of AT constantly increased as the interatrial conduction delay became more prominent, while the P-wave width in sinus rhythm and the AT cycle length both showed an instantaneous increase in parallel. As the interatrial delay reached a critical point, the right and left atrial P-wave became virtually separated, as demonstrated by the findings of ECGs and echocardiography. This phenomenon resulted in the complete cessation of tachycardias.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / complications
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / physiopathology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged