Key result
Use of a nerve integrity monitoring device during posterior fossa surgery can produce ECG artefacts resembling atrial fibrillation, which can be distinguished from true arrhythmias using a 12-lead ECG.
Case Report (n=1)
ECG artefacts from electrical equipment in the operating theatre can mimic serious arrhythmias, highlighting the importance of checking a 12-lead ECG to prevent unwanted interventions.
ECG artefacts are defined as abnormalities in the monitored ECG, which result from measurement of cardiac potentials on the body surface and are not related to the electrical activity of the heart. In the operation theatre, the use of various types of electrical equipment may interfere with ECG interpretation. We describe our experience with artefacts resembling atrial fibrillation when a nerve integrity monitoring device was used on a patient undergoing posterior fossa surgery for epidermoid tumour. These artefacts resemble serious arrhythmias and may result in unwanted interventions. To enable better identification of such artefacts, a 12-lead ECG should be considered as it will display rhythm in all the leads; while artefacts will present in only a few leads, true arrhythmia will be present in all the 12 leads. Our case report aims to increase awareness regarding ECG artefacts and to explain how to distinguish them from actual arrhythmias.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rudigwa et al. (2015) conducted a case report in ECG artefacts mimicking atrial fibrillation/flutter (n=1). Nerve integrity monitoring device was evaluated on ECG artefacts resembling atrial fibrillation. Use of a nerve integrity monitoring device during posterior fossa surgery can produce ECG artefacts resembling atrial fibrillation, which can be distinguished from true arrhythmias using a 12-lead ECG.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: