The HAV pattern in pediatric patients with atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia

Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of a His-Atrial-Ventricular (HAV) pattern, i.e. the atrial electrogram following the His bundle -HB- electrogram and preceding the ventricular one, on the catheter placed in the His position in pediatric patients during typical atrioventricular node reentry (AVNRT). Materials and methods The pediatric electrophysiology databases of two separate institutions were queried for patients with a diagnosis of AVNRT. Demographic, clinical data and the electrophysiology study (EPS) information were assessed. Results Thirty-nine consecutive patients were included. Twenty-five were female. The average age at the time of the EPS was 12 ± 3.7 years. Induction was achieved with atrial pacing in 23, with a single atrial extra stimulus in 8 and with dual atrial extra stimuli in 8. Isoproterenol was needed to induce tachycardia in 21. Tachycardia cycle length averaged 320 ± 50 ms. An HAV pattern was present in 35 (74%) of the patients, and in 100% of the patients younger than 8. Conclusions An HAV pattern on the catheter placed in the His position, is common in pediatric patients with AVNRT, occurring in up to 74% of the patients in this population, being more common in younger patients.