Wide-complex Tachycardia

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Several algorithms exist for the electrocardigraphic evaluation of regular, wide-complex tachycardias with the objective of distinguishing ventricular tachycardia (VT) from a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrant conduction. The algorithm detailed below, developed by Dr. James Niemann, presents an ED-centric approach favoring the diagnosis of the more life-threatening dysrhythmia. This approach recognizes that SVT with aberrancy is rare, particularly in patients with a history of cardiac disease where the likelihood of ventricular tachycardia exceeds 90%. The algorithm requires the use of only the most simple and easily-recalled criteria, and any point of failure along the algorithm lends to the universally-appropriate management as ventricular tachycardia.

Algorithm for the Evaluation of Regular, Wide-Complex Tachycardia

Algorithm for the Evaluation of Wide-Complex Tachycardia

  1. aVR: Is the initial deflection in aVR positive? If yes, then VT.
  2. Concordance: Is there concordance (monophasic with same polarity) in all of the precordial leads? If yes, then VT.
  3. AV Dissociation: Is there evidence of AV dissociation (fusion or capture beats)? If yes, then VT.
  4. Bundle-branch morphology: Is the QRS morphology in V1 and V6 consistent with either LBBB or RBBB? If no, then VT.

References

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  3. Szelényi Z, Duray G, Katona G, et al. Comparison of the “real-life” diagnostic value of two recently published electrocardiogram methods for the differential diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardias. Acad Emerg Med. 2013;20(11):1121-1130. doi:10.1111/acem.12247.
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  7. Vereckei A. Current algorithms for the diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardias. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2014;10(3):262-276.
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  10. Griffith MJ, Garratt CJ, Mounsey P, Camm AJ. Ventricular tachycardia as default diagnosis in broad complex tachycardia. The Lancet. 1994;343(8894):386-388.