Electrocardiogram artifact caused by rigors mimicking narrow complex tachycardia: a case report.
BACKGROUND
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is useful in the diagnosis of cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. Rigors due to shivering can cause electrocardiogram artifacts mimicking various cardiac rhythm abnormalities.


METHODS
We describe an 80-year-old Sri Lankan man with an abnormal electrocardiogram mimicking narrow complex tachycardia during the immediate post-operative period. Electrocardiogram changes caused by muscle tremor during rigors could mimic a narrow complex tachycardia.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of muscle tremor as a cause of electrocardiogram artifact can avoid unnecessary pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention to prevent arrhythmias.
University Medical Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka. thushara.matthias@gmail.com.
Anne Thushara
AT
Matthias
Jegarajah
J
Indrakumar
D000241:Adenosine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016477:Artifacts; D002346:Carotid Sinus; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012768:Shivering / Q000502:physiology*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures
D000241:Adenosine