Why the study?
Does digitalis overdosage cause paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block in patients with congestive heart failure?
Does digitalis overdosage cause paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block in patients with congestive heart failure?
Highlights the danger of digitalis-induced atrial tachycardia with block and the hazard of misdiagnosing it as a standard supraventricular tachycardia requiring more digitalis.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May indicate digitalis toxicity in paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block, warranting discontinuation rather than escalation; challenges consensus on digitalis for supraventricular tachycardias.
DIGITALIS intoxication is a serious problem in the management of patients with congestive heart failure. Although numerous recent reports emphasize the increasing frequency of digitalis poisoning, there is as yet little appreciation of the digitalis-induced atrial arrhythmias. These disorders generally represent far advanced intoxication. It is currently taught that digitalis is the drug of choice in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias. Obviously, its use to combat digitalis-induced atrial tachycardia is fraught with hazard and may lead to increasing decompensation and even death.The prototype of the atrial arrhythmias due to digitalis overdosage is paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block. It is . . .
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lown et al. (1959) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: