Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2011 Jul;54(7):369-372. 10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.7.369.

A fetal supraventricular tachycardia which converted from blocked premature atrial contractions

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea. iwji@chungbuk.ac.kr
  • 2Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea.

Abstract

We are reporting a case of fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) which converted from blocked premature atrial contractions (PAC). It has been treated by verapamil in utero. We suggest that fetal PACs are usually benign phenomena which resolve spontaneously, but require some follow-up to exclude the development of SVT. SVT is rare but complicated by fetal congestive heart failure or even fetal death.

Keyword

Tachycardia, supraventricular; Atrial premature complexes

MeSH Terms

Atrial Premature Complexes
Fetal Death
Follow-Up Studies
Heart Failure
Tachycardia, Supraventricular
Verapamil
Verapamil

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Pulse Doppler shows skipped beats and M-mode reveals blocked premature atrial contractions (PAC).

  • Fig. 2. M-mode shows supraventricular tachycardia which beats 234 per minutes.

  • Fig. 3. Heart rate is 216 beats per minute but skipped beats in every 2 to 5 beats.

  • Fig. 4. Fetal heart rate returned normal (143 beats per minute [BPM]) by Verapamil and the baby has normal regular heart rate (135 BPM) without medication.


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