The effective treatment of multifocal atrial tachycardia with amiodarone

Jpn Heart J. 1989 May;30(3):301-12. doi: 10.1536/ihj.30.301.

Abstract

Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) was observed in 9 patients aged 60-85 (mean 72.1 +/- 8.6) years during exacerbation of their chronic lung and/or cardiac disease. Four, in whom the rapid heart rate caused symptoms of pulmonary congestion, were treated with intravenous amiodarone (450-900 mg over 2 hours) with restoration of sinus rhythm soon after the termination of the drug infusion. In 1, with recurrence of MAT, the same intravenous dosage was repeated for 2 consecutive days, with final achievement of stable sinus rhythm. Five patients, apart from the conventional management of their underlying disease (digitalis, diuretics, aminophylline) were treated with oral amiodarone (600 mg/day). Sinus rhythm was restored in all and remained stable during their hospitalization, under alpha maintenance dosage of 200-400 mg daily. Amiodarone may be the drug of choice for the treatment of MAT, for which up to now no effective therapy has been established.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amiodarone / administration & dosage
  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Atria
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia / drug therapy*
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Amiodarone