Mechanism Underlying Initiation of Paroxysmal Atrial Flutter/Atrial Fibrillation by Ectopic Foci

Abstract

These findings suggest that a mechanism of dynamically induced repolarization dispersion, especially discordant alternans, underlies the induction of atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation by atrial ectopic foci. The sites and likelihood of reentry induction varied according to ectopic focus location and timing, with the largest vulnerable window corresponding to the pulmonary vein region.