An apparent broad complex tachycardia in an elderly man with Parkinsons Disease

Author(s): D Craig, I M Rea & A M Ward

Description

An 87 year old man with a history of idiopathic Parkinsons disease attended the day hospital for assessment of worsening tremor. Examination revealed marked bilateral resting tremor worse on the right. Electrocardiography carried out for a history of postural syncope was difficult to perform due to the resting tremor. A tracing was recorded which showed an apparent broad complex tachycardia at 240-280 bpm. The patient was well throughout. Holter tape analysis on two occasions showed brief runs of atrial tachycardia only. Tremor-induced artefact was felt to be the likely cause.