Narrow complex tachycardia with alternating atrial activation: What is
the Mechanism?
Abstract
Case Presentation: A 50-year male was referred for
consideration of a redo ablation procedure. 2 years before this
referral, he was diagnosed with an episode of pre-excited atrial
fibrillation, and underwent an attempt at a left lateral pathway
ablation. The index attempt with radiofrequency ablation did not
eliminate the pathway and he was discharged on oral flecainide. The
procedure was also complicated by a right-sided deep vein thrombosis and
further attempts at a redo procedure were delayed. However, he developed
recurrent episodes of palpitations 2 years after his index procedure.
Hence, he was referred for a second attempt at ablation. His baseline
12-lead ECG did not show any evidence of manifest pre-excitation. During
his EP study, pre-excitation was seen with atrial extrastimuli and with
shorter intervals, a narrow complex tachycardia was induced (Figure
[1](#fig-cap-0001)). However, the atrial activation appeared to
alternate at times, despite the tachycardia being sustained. What is the
mechanism of the alternating atrial activation?