Treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia using instrument-assisted manipulation of the fourth rib: a 6-year case study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this case report was to describe the observation of the manipulation of the fourth rib followed by the reproducible, rapid return of heart rate to normal in a patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.


METHODS
A male patient had paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. He was evaluated using standard methods of palpation. He was followed over a 6-year period.


RESULTS
The patient was treated during episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with instrument-assisted manipulation of the fourth rib without treatment of any other segments. Tachycardia was eliminated after rib manipulation within less than 2 minutes. Over a 6-year period, effective control of episodes of SVT was consistently achieved associated with manipulation of the fourth rib.


CONCLUSIONS
This case study is suggestive of a relationship between SVT and misalignment of the fourth rib. Controlled studies are necessary to validate this observation.
Private practice, Reston, VA 20191, USA. drmrjulian@gmail.com
Mary Rose
MR
Julian
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D026301:Manipulation, Osteopathic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012272:Ribs; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome