title: Spontaneous-onset atrial fibrillation in a toddler with review of mechanisms and etiologies.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is a relatively rare form of arrhythmia in the pediatric population. When it is seen in an infant or child, it is often associated with a structural heart abnormality, particularly after surgical repair or palliation of congenital heart disease. Other episodes may be associated with metabolic derangements. This report discusses the unique case of a toddler with new-onset atrial fibrillation that was devoid of a readily identifiable etiology. It also reviews the literature and the implications of such a case for the primary care practitioner.
authors.affiliation: Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Penn State Geisinger Health System, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania 17033, USA.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Zachary
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Cyran
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents