Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia Transitioning to Atrial Fibrillation in an Octogenarian

Abstract

Abstract Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is an arrhythmia frequently seen in the elderly whose prevalence increases with aging. These arrhythmias may eventually lead to more chaotic arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter. MAT is frequently mistaken for AF in electrocardiogram (ECG). The importance of differentiating MAT from AF is that the former requires no anticoagulation and, therefore, avoids the risks associated with their administration. It is also important to realize that the elderly have multiple conditions such as senile tremors and Parkinson’s disease which may cause mechanical movement artifacts in resting ECGs mimicking cardiac arrhythmias leading to incorrect interpretation of ECGs. Educating physicians about the electrocardiographic appearance of atrial dysrhythmias and the recognition of the confounding artifacts can prevent unnecessary use of treatment which could potentially cause adverse effects in the patient.