Ventricular tachycardia in childhood and adolescence: Recommendation for action according to the S2-guidelines AWMF register no. 023/022
Abstract
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is present at 3 or more consecutive depolarizations below the His bundle with a ventricular rate> 150 / min. In a VT, the QRS morphology and the QRS vector differ from the basal rhythm.
There is often a widening of the QRS complex beyond the age-specific norm. Atrioventricular dissociation is typical.
The morphology of the QRS complexes distinguishes mono- from polymorphic VT. With a duration of> 30 s or with a circulatory collapse a sustained VT is present.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is based on a disordered activation of the ventricular myocardium as a result of fragmented multiple reentrant excitations. The electrocardiogram (ECG) shows coarse or fine ciliary waves without any regularity.
Ventricular tachycardias are associated with palpitations, dizziness and syncope and can lead to sudden cardiac death at high heart rates.