Cardioversion of a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a 7-year-old using a postural modification of the Valsalva manoeuvre

Abstract

A boy aged 7 years presented with his parents to the emergency department (ED). He had a known diagnosis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and was under the care of paediatricians. He had been suffering episodes of palpitations and chest pain for over a year and had been prescribed atenolol 25 mg ON, though the side effects meant he had not taken it for a month prior to presentation. He had 2 previous confirmed episodes of SVT, one that reverted with Valsalva manoeuvres, and the other with intravenous adenosine. In the ED, an ECG was recorded showing SVT at 180 bpm. Aside from his tachycardia, he was haemodynamically stable. The postural modification of the Valsalva technique was performed within 5 min of arrival, with reversion to sinus rhythm occurring during the leg-lift phase on the first attempt. After 30 min of observation, the child remained stable and was discharged home.

Figure 1

Initial ECG demonstrating supraventricular tachycardia at 188 bpm.

Figure 2

ECG prior to discharge demonstrating normal sinus rhythm.