Key result
Careful multi-lead ECG analysis distinguishes focal atrial tachycardia from computer-misdiagnosed atrial fibrillation.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This ECG quiz case highlights the danger of relying on automated computer ECG interpretations for rhythm analysis, showing how a false diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in a patient with focal atrial tachycardia led to inappropriate anticoagulation with apixaban.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Clinicians must verify automated ECG rhythm reads to avoid inappropriate anticoagulation; case reports leave open the prevalence of such errors.
This is an irregular, narrow QRS tachycardia at a mean rate of 108/minute. There are 2 short runs of tachycardia, slightly irregular at about 150/minute, with pauses in between.
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Millar et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Irregular narrow QRS tachycardia (atrial tachycardia misdiagnosed as atrial fibrillation) (n=1). Manual 12-lead ECG interpretation vs. automated computer ECG rhythm diagnosis was evaluated on Accurate arrhythmia diagnosis (focal atrial tachycardia vs. computer-diagnosed atrial fibrillation).
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