why choose us

Course: Wide QRS Complex Rhythm Requiring a Second Look

CME Credits: 1.00

Released: 2022-08-22

A patient in their 60s was referred for atrial flutter ablation following admission to their local hospital for heart failure exacerbation. The patient had developed worsening shortness of breath and new-onset New York Heart Association functional class IV symptoms and was known to have ischemic cardiomyopathy, with an ejection fraction of 25%, and had received a single-chamber primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in the past. Amiodarone treatment was started in the past in an attempt to achieve rhythm control of the atrial flutter. On assessment in the emergency department, the patient was found to have a heart rate of 106 beats/min and a blood pressure of 96/58 mm Hg. Clinical examination revealed substantial volume overload, with an elevated jugular venous pressure, bilateral lung crackles on auscultation, and a prominent S3 on cardiac auscultation. Pertinent laboratory results included markedly elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and creatinine levels. An echocardiogram during the current admission demonstrated a drop in ejection fraction to 10%. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained (, A).


To identify the key insights or developments described in this article


View Full Course