International journal of cardiology
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Since 1983 we have performed electrophysiologic studies in 6 patients who had previously undergone repair of an ostium primum atrioventricular septal defect. Information obtained during electrophysiologic studies was crucial in guiding appropriate pacemaker therapy in these patients. As judged from the resting electrocardiogram, sinus or junctional bradycardia was present in 3/6, atrial flutter / fibrillation in 2/6, and paced rhythm in 2 patients who had had ventricular pacemakers implanted for complete atrioventricular block. ⋯ Supraventricular tachycardia or atrial flutter/fibrillation, was either spontaneous or induced in 2/6 patients, while ventricular tachycardia was induced in 1/3 patients who underwent programmed ventricular stimulation. Electrophysiologic studies were important in unmasking severe sinus node disease in 3 patients and atrioventricular node disease in 2. We therefore recommend that electrophysiologic studies be strongly considered as part of the evaluation of conduction abnormalities following repair of ostium primum atrioventricular septal defect.