Poster - #2022SPHU-29 - Keywords: Electrocardiogram artifact, atrial flutter, 2D transthoracic echocardiography

THE ROLE OF 2D ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN DISCRIMINATING SOMATIC TREMORS AS A CAUSE OF PSEUDOATRIAL FLUTTER

Christian Toquica MD 1, Kavin Raj 2.
1,2. Division of Internal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, USA

ABSTRACT:
Early recognition and treatment of atrial flutter is mandatory to avoid long term complications. Somatic tremors are a common cause of electrocardiogram (EKG) artifacts. Clinicians should keep a keen eye as these may lead to unnecessary and dangerous therapies including long term anticoagulation. We present the case of a 77-year-old male who presented with lethargy and confusion with an atrial flutter pattern EKG on admisison. We describe how the 2D transthoracic echocardiography may be used to differentiate normal sinus from atrial flutter in the appropriate clinical setting.