Silence Is Golden

Abstract

Speech-induced atrial tachycardia (AT) is extremely rare. We presented a case of focal AT that could be triggered by speech and terminated with the cessation of conversation. An electrophysiological study showed that the outbreak was associated with left atrial pressure rose. Radiofrequency ablation at the left atrial posterior-superior wall (earliest activation site) resulted in the immediate termination of AT. These electrophysiological characteristics indicated that the cardiac autonomic nervous system and/or left atrial pressure might play essential roles in the occurrences of speech-induced AT.

Successful Catheter Ablation for an Extremely Rare Case of Speech Induced Atrial Tachycardia

“…Sporadic cases of speech-induced AT have been previously described with different focal trigger origins from superior vena cava septal side, left atrium roof or RSPV ostium. 1) 2) 3) 4) In our case, the originating site of AT was located at the junction between RSPV and roof, which is near the anatomical location of anterior right ganglionated plexus. These locations are where major ganglionated plexi are known to exist nearby.…”