The differential diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardia

Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Oct;35(10):1525-1529. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.07.056. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Abstract

Wide complex tachycardia is defined as a cardiac rhythm with a rate greater than 100 beats/min (bpm) and a QRS complex duration greater than 0.10 to 0.12seconds (s) in the adult patient; wide complex tachycardia (WCT) in children is defined according to age-related metrics. The differential diagnosis of the WCT includes ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant intraventricular conduction, including both relatively benign and life-threatening dysrhythmias. This review focuses on the differential diagnosis of WCT with a discussion of strategies useful in making the appropriate diagnosis, when possible.

Keywords: Supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction; Tachycardia; Ventricular tachycardia; Wide QRS complex.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / physiopathology