Key result
Retrograde conduction to the atria from premature ventricular beats was found to be common on esophageal electrocardiograms, challenging the theory of normal unidirectional block in the A-V node.
Observational
Esophageal ECGs reveal that retrograde conduction from premature ventricular contractions is common, challenging the historical theory of normal unidirectional block in the AV node.
Should not change PVC management; hypothesis-generating challenge to unidirectional AV nodal block theory needing validation.
On the basis of studies of esophageal electrocardiograms the authors conclude that retrograde conduction to the atria from premature ventricular beats is common and that the theory of normal unidirectional block in the A-V node is not tenable. In most of the cases with retrograde conduction, the latter is not discernible in simultaneously recorded lead II, which explains why the phenomenon has previously been considered rare. Observations on the ventriculoatrial conduction time and the compensatory pause are presented. In two of the cases there are two orders of magnitude of ventriculoatrial conduction time, which, the authors postulate, may be due to two separate pathways of retrograde conduction.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kistin et al. (1951) conducted an observational in Premature ventricular contractions. Premature ventricular contractions was evaluated on Retrograde conduction to the atria. Retrograde conduction to the atria from premature ventricular beats was found to be common on esophageal electrocardiograms, challenging the theory of normal unidirectional block in the A-V node.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: