How to differentiate atrial fibrillation (AFib) with aberrancy from ventricular tachycardia (V tach)?

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Differential Diagnosis for AFib with Aberrancy vs VTach

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) with aberrancy: This is the most likely diagnosis because AFib is a common arrhythmia that can present with aberrant conduction, resulting in a wide QRS complex that may mimic ventricular tachycardia (VTach). The irregularly irregular rhythm and the presence of fibrillatory waves on the ECG support this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach): This is another likely diagnosis, as VTach can present with a wide QRS complex and a rapid heart rate. However, the presence of AV dissociation, fusion beats, or capture beats on the ECG would support this diagnosis.
    • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) with aberrancy: This diagnosis is also possible, as SVT can present with a wide QRS complex if there is aberrant conduction. However, the regular rhythm and the absence of fibrillatory waves on the ECG would support this diagnosis.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Torsades de Pointes: This is a life-threatening arrhythmia that can present with a wide QRS complex and a rapid heart rate. The presence of a long QT interval and a characteristic "twisting" pattern on the ECG would support this diagnosis.
    • Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: This condition can present with a wide QRS complex and a rapid heart rate due to anterograde conduction down an accessory pathway. The presence of a delta wave and a short PR interval on the ECG would support this diagnosis.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Atrial Flutter with aberrancy: This is a rare diagnosis, as atrial flutter is less common than AFib and SVT. However, the presence of a regular rhythm and a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern on the ECG would support this diagnosis.
    • Junctional Tachycardia with aberrancy: This is another rare diagnosis, as junctional tachycardia is less common than other supraventricular arrhythmias. However, the presence of a regular rhythm and a narrow QRS complex would support this diagnosis, with aberrancy resulting in a wide QRS complex.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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