Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a prevalent pediatric arrhythmia. Neonatal and infantile-onset presentation is unspecific, thus making differential diagnosis essential in not delaying crucial intervention. We here describe the case of an undetected PSVT in an infant performing repeated abdominal contractions, thus presenting with projectile vomiting. At an early stage of tachycardia, infants are probably able to unconsciously attempt and succeed to terminate acute episodes by strengthening vagal stimulation in the form of Valsalva-like abdominal contractions, but only up to a point. As PSVT progresses, heart failure may develop. Early recognition and treatment are therefore required to minimize negative outcomes.
Projectile vomiting and Valsalva-like abdominal contractions as an uncommon presentation of supraventricular tachycardia in an infant / Paparella, R.; Mallardo, S.; Lubrano, R.. - In: JOURNAL OF ELECTROCARDIOLOGY. - ISSN 1532-8430. - 66:(2021), pp. 136-138. [10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.04.010]
Projectile vomiting and Valsalva-like abdominal contractions as an uncommon presentation of supraventricular tachycardia in an infant
Paparella R.
Primo
;Lubrano R.
2021
Abstract
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a prevalent pediatric arrhythmia. Neonatal and infantile-onset presentation is unspecific, thus making differential diagnosis essential in not delaying crucial intervention. We here describe the case of an undetected PSVT in an infant performing repeated abdominal contractions, thus presenting with projectile vomiting. At an early stage of tachycardia, infants are probably able to unconsciously attempt and succeed to terminate acute episodes by strengthening vagal stimulation in the form of Valsalva-like abdominal contractions, but only up to a point. As PSVT progresses, heart failure may develop. Early recognition and treatment are therefore required to minimize negative outcomes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.