title: Transesophageal electrocardiography and adenosine in the diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia.
abstract: The diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia based on surface electrocardiography can be difficult. Misdiagnosis occurs frequently and is commonly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We describe a case of wide QRS complex tachycardia in which transesophageal electrocardiography and intravenous adenosine were used to obtain a reliable diagnosis. These are safe and readily available tools for elucidating the mechanism of wide complex tachyarrhythmias in hemodynamically stable patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Cardiology, Texas Heart Institute, Houston 77030.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lufschanowski
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Massumi
mesh_terms: D000241:Adenosine; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D000241:Adenosine