Electrical Interference

Too Fast for Natural Causes

Report:

Sinus rhythm

SVEBs

Left ventricular hypertrophy with ST/T changes

Electrical interference

Comment:

This is not the typical 50 Hz AC interference, but is fast enough not to be a somatic tremor. It’s too fast for natural causes. Its source is often difficult to identify in the ICU bristling with electrical gadgets. The wisdom dictates that it is often better to accept a “readable” ECG than to harass the patient in the quest for a perfect trace.

Some evidence of digoxin toxicity emerged on her subsequent rhythm strips, in the form of accelerated junctional rhythm (Fig 234a below). She came to no harm in the end.

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