Excerpt from Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: MAT, irregular cardiac rhythm, supraventricular rhythm, multifocal atrial tachycardia, atrial activity, congestive heart failure, heart failure, sepsis, methylxanthine toxicity, chronic lung disease, heart conduction system, respiratory failure, theophylline toxicity, cardiac rhythm management
Background
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is an irregular cardiac rhythm caused by at least 2 different sites of competing atrial activity.
Pathophysiology
MAT most often is found in the elderly patient with decompensated chronic lung disease and should be thought of as a hypoxic complication of underlying heart conduction pathology. However, other underlying causes may be present, such as congestive heart failure, sepsis, or methylxanthine toxicity. The effect of MAT on the heart conduction system may or may not lead to hemodynamic instability.
Frequency
United States
MAT is believed to be quite common. Usually, treatment of the patient's underlying problem (eg, respiratory failure, sepsis, theophylline toxicity) takes therapeutic precedent. The condition is transient and resolves when the underlying condition improves.
Mortality/Morbidity
- MAT is seldom life threatening. The overall clinical picture and symptoms improve when the underlying condition is addressed and MAT is controlled.
- Morbidity is difficult to quantify because the underlying disease is the primary determinant of complications.
Age
This is predominately a condition of the elderly patient with multiple medical problems.
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