Electrocardiographic characteristics of focal atrial tachycardias

Abstract

Focal atrial tachycardia (AT) is uncommon and characterized by centrifugal atrial activation from a point source. ATs are found clustering around well-defined sites of structural and electrophysiologic heterogeneity in both atria. Focal AT most often occurs in patients without structural heart disease. The P-wave morphology on the surface ECG provides a good guide to the site of origin. With electrophysiologic study, activation mapping efforts can begin in the region suggested by P-wave analysis. Catheter ablation is an effective therapy that can result in long-term cure in most patients with a low risk of complications. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.