Atrial flutter diagnostic study of choice
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2]
Overview
Observation of the characteristic "sawtooth" pattern on electrocardiogram is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of atrial flutter.
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Study of choice
Observation of the characteristic "sawtooth" pattern on electrocardiogram is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of atrial flutter.
Characteristic electrocardiographic findings in a patient with atrial flutter include; an atrial rate from 250-350 beats per minute, a "sawtooth" appearance to the tracings due to rapid regular undulations (F waves), and a variable ventricular rate depending on AV conduction.
The ECG may also identify left ventricular hypertrophy, pre-excitation, bundle branch block, or prior myocardial infarction (MI). Overlapping flutter waves may complicate assessment of the QT interval, repolarization pattern, and even the presence of T waves.